Are P2F conversions the answer to surging cargo demand?

Just a few years ago, several aging widebodies sat idle on sun-drenched aprons across the IMEA region, their commercial futures uncertain. However, the surge in e-commerce, coupled with tightening cargo capacity and the high costs of new freighters, has sparked a quiet transformation. Airlines, once focused solely on passenger growth, are now running the numbers on passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions—and finding the economics increasingly difficult to ignore.

Fleet planners are driven to rethinking the traditional aircraft retirement curve amid shifting passenger demand dynamics. P2F conversions have become more than a stopgap—they’re now a core part of long-term fleet strategy.

For many carriers, it’s no longer just about moving people—it’s about maximizing every airframe’s potential.

Similarly, Gerhard Coetzee, Vice President of Cargo for the IMEA region at Chapman Freeborn Aviation Services, notes that the overall market size related to the IMEA region has experienced growth, especially in recent years, driven by growing trade and industries expanding further due to e-commerce demand.

However, dynamics vary across India, the Middle East, and Africa due to infrastructure, the market, and economics. This is also the case with the aircraft types currently used for conversion.

“There is a variance pending the market and its application; however, notably in Africa, CIS, and India, the conversions of Boeing 767s and Airbus 320 & 321 are both ideal for growing air cargo markets, such as Africa where there is demand but not yet large enough to support larger capacity aircraft,” highlights Coetzee.

The most in-demand aircraft for conversion are narrow-body types like the Airbus A320 and A321, ideal for short- to medium-haul routes, while wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 767, are favored for long-haul operations with more significant cargo volumes.
Shukri Khalifa, Executive Vice President at Sharjah-based Mixjet Flight Support

“Preferences vary regionally, with African carriers often favoring aircraft capable of operating from shorter, less-developed runways, while the Middle East and India typically select aircraft optimized for higher payloads and efficiency,” added Khalifa

Demand and market maturity

The Middle East, particularly markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, represents the most mature market. It has advanced cargo infrastructure, streamlined regulatory processes, and extensive adoption of converted freighters.

“India and Africa are rapidly developing but still require substantial infrastructure investments and regulatory alignment to reach similar maturity levels,” revealed Khalifa.

Along those lines, Coetzee notes that while each subregion shows a significant and growing market for air cargo, the Middle East stands out higher for freighter demand due to its strategic location connecting the Far East with Europe and Africa and established airline networks.

“India is fast expanding, driven also by e-commerce and manufacturing, while Africa’s air cargo demand is growing despite the challenges of infrastructure and smaller freighter capacities, although there is notable growth towards mid-sized freighters on the continent.”
Gerhard Coetzee, Vice President of Cargo for the IMEA region at Chapman Freeborn Aviation Services

In essence, demand for converted freighters has grown substantially, largely driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which requires increased air cargo capacity.

Along those lines, Khalifa believes e-commerce has prompted operators to expand their freighter capacities and strengthen logistics networks. “Adjustments include investments in dedicated freighters, improved cargo infrastructure, and streamlined logistics to ensure efficiency and timeliness of deliveries.”

Challenges of converted freighters

Efficiency is a key component in any aviation operator’s bottom line, and older aircraft do not necessarily support this notion. While converted freighters may be cost-effective and ideal for shorter routes, they are restricted by tonnage uplifted, for example.

Coetzee states that they also tend to be less fuel-efficient, with restricted payloads and range versus that of factory built freighter aircraft – further restricted such as single load limitations and cargo loading (nose door versus Side Door freighters such as the 747F) for specialized cargo.

“If using a B737 freighter as an example, whilst converted, it is ideal for smaller cargo volumes and perfect for cost-effective regional operations, whilst the factory-built freighter will be ideal for high demand longer route flights and payloads.”

Interestingly, regional regulatory frameworks greatly influence aircraft conversions and cargo operations, reveals Khalifa.

“The Middle East tends to align closely with international aviation standards, ensuring a smoother certification process. India and Africa often include additional local regulatory steps, creating complexity.”

The outlook

Although environmental pressures may drive fleet modernization, converted freighters will remain a player in cost-effective solutions for regional cargo demands, such as the rise in e-commerce, highlights Coetzee.

Especially in the Middle East, Africa, and India, driving for smaller regional solutions, like the B737s, are ideal for high-frequency small parcel shipments on shorter routes (intra India/Africa/GCC), i.e., moving critically needed items suitable for smaller regional freighters to more underserved main deck capacity airports.

One of Mixjet’s challenges ahead is limited aircraft availability and elevated leasing costs tied to specific aircraft types, which impact operational economics and increase the cost per ton. Additionally, the market requires increased financial investment to accommodate growing cargo demands, adds Khalifa. Yet the potential exists, demonstrated by the company’s vision to become an active cargo operator within the next five years.

As the IMEA region navigates the complexities of growth, regulation, and infrastructure development, one thing is clear: converted freighters have secured their place as a vital bridge between market demand and operational viability.

While not without limitations, these aircraft offer a timely, financially strategic solution for carriers adapting to the demands of modern cargo logistics. With the continued rise of e-commerce, evolving fleet strategies, and growing investment appetite, the next chapter in the region’s air cargo story may well be written not by new aircraft, but by the renewed purpose of aging ones.

“Over the next decade, we foresee significant shifts toward specialized freighter fleet, advanced technological integration, and sustainability-led strategies dominating the regional cargo landscape,” concludes Khalifa.