Airbus and its parent company, EADS EFW and its Russian partners, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and decided to stop passengers Irkut at cargo (P2F) conversion program

Airbus, its parent company EADS EFW and their Russian partners, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and IRKUT decided Friday to stop Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversion program, thus ending their joint venture "Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH (AFC)".

A statement issued by France-based Airbus announced the decision, attributing the change to strong demand for A320 passenger aircraft that squeezes the amount of A320 Family aircraft that can be used as freighters.

"Recent market developments ... have resulted in more demand for A320 passenger aircraft and ... used A320 Family aircraft, thus reducing the amount of aircraft available for conversion," and "the partners have decided to dissolve AFC," the statement said.

The Germany-based joint venture AFC was established by EADS EFW, Airbus and the Russian companies UAC, IRKUT, in April 2007, with shares equally divided between Russia and EADS/Airbus.

According to Airbus, the joint venture has strengthened the partnership between the European and the Russian aviation industry.

Airbus said its partnership with IRKUT will continue in components manufacturing for the Single Aisle program.

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