Cebu Pacific to convert 2 ATR aircraft into cargo planes

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Pacific has signed an agreement with Switzerland-based IPR Conversions to convert two of its ATR 72-500 passenger aircraft into freighter planes.

The move will make Cebu Pacific the only passenger airline in Philippines with dedicated cargo planes.

“We will be able to offer cargo capacity that no other carrier in the Philippines can provide,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific, “With the freighter aircraft, we will further support the growing needs of the logistics industry, especially as the Philippines’ e-commerce businesses expand rapidly and look for faster delivery schedules.”

Cebu Pacific expects to receive the first of two converted aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2018. The cargo aircraft will continue to be operated through Cebu Pacific’s wholly owned subsidiary, CebGo.

IPR Conversions, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the leading ATR freighter conversion service providers in the world. The conversion of two of CEB’s passenger ATR 72-500 aircraft into dedicated air freighters involves the installation of a large cargo door, allowing standard containers and pallets used throughout the aviation industry to be loaded.

The aircraft will have space for seven AKE Unit Load Device (ULD) containers, and will be able to carry more than seven tons of cargo.

Both aircraft will be converted at the facility of Sabena Technics DNR S.A.S. in Dinard, France. Sabena is one of France’s leading maintenance and modification services providers for both civilian and military aircraft.

Cebu Pacific has about 50 percent market share for domestic air cargo, currently utilising belly space of its passenger aircraft fleet. Cebu Pacific ’s cargo services have grown considerably, with revenues growing 29% in 2017, to PHP4.6 Billion (approx. USD86 Million); and 26% in the first quarter of 2018, to PHP1.3 Billion (approx. USD24 Million).