Airbus, EADS, and their Russian partners, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and IRKUT, have jointly decided to stop the A320/A321 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion development program for economic reasons.
They have thus terminated the Airbus Freighter Conversion (AFC) joint venture, which was established in April 2007.
Airbus said in a statement, "Recent market developments, including the success of the upcoming A320neo, have resulted in more demand for A320 passenger aircraft and less for freighter versions in this aircraft category.
"In addition, strongly growing passenger traffic results in high demand for used A320 family aircraft, thus reducing the amount of aircraft available for conversion."
Headquartered in Dresden, Germany, AFC was 32% owned by EADS while Airbus owned 18% and the Russia-based United Aircraft and Irkut held a 25% stake each.
IRKUT and Airbus will continue their partnership in components manufacturing for the single-aisle programme.
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