Airbus is in talks with TNT Airways about the launch of a new-build A320 family freighter programme, but the ongoing sales surge for the passenger version could threaten the project.
The Liege, Belgium-based express package carrier is planning a "massive purchase" of narrowbody freighters to replace its Boeing 737-300F fleet and support its growth plans, says the airline's managing director Niky Terzakis.
"We put proposals to both Airbus and Boeing about new-build freighters. Airbus has been far more responsive than Boeing - it has worked quite hard to come up with proposals," he says.
The creation of a new-build single-aisle cargo aircraft would be a first for Airbus, which has so far only offered the A300-600F and A330-200F as factory-new freighters. |
