The twinjet, propelled by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, was modified by the EFW joint venture and Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Company at a facility situated in Shanghai Pudong.
Sichuan Airlines CEO, Zuyi Shi, states that the inclusion of this converted A330 will afford them increased freighter capacity to satisfy market demands and further bolster their development strategy in the cargo business.
CDB Aviation has placed orders for 14 A330 conversions from EFW, and the Sichuan aircraft represents the first of its kind to undergo such modification in China.
Jie Chen, the chief of CDB Aviation, states that the aircraft will make a fantastic addition to their fleet as the airline continues to serve the country's rapidly expanding air cargo market.
CDB Aviation also leases two Airbus A320s to the carrier.
The A330-300 freighter (B-32D2) for Sichuan was initially delivered to China Southern Airlines in 2008 and was later operated by wet-lease specialist SmartLynx Malta.
Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Company general manager, Han Weimin, refers to the modification program as a significant challenge for them.
He states that this initial re-delivery signifies a milestone for the company and the Chinese aviation industry and promises to continue re-delivering more converted aircraft to Chinese and global customers.
