An aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business chaired by lead singer of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, is moving into the rapidly expanding cargo conversion market.
Caerdav, based at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, said with aircraft globally continuing to be grounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and capacity on passenger flights significantly reduced, there has been a huge increase in demand for dedicated cargo freighters.
Boeing predicts a need for 930 production freighters and 1,500 passenger-to-freighter conversions in the next 20 years. Caerdav said with Airbus making similar predictions, the opportunities in the sector should secure long-term revenue for the business.
Mr Dickinson said: “In addition to our own world-class MRO facility, we have access to a huge pool of local, experienced engineering talent – making the move into cargo conversions the next logical step for the business.
"Caerdav will become a ‘one stop shop’ for all aspects of the industry, it’s a very exciting proposition.”
Caerdav group chief executive, Joachim Jones, said: “Caerdav is an ambitious company that is always looking forward, and cargo conversions are an achievable, viable and profitable string to add to our bow.
“We’re proud to continue to play such an important role in the UK aviation industry, and as we expand into this new venture it will be rewarding to create more local jobs and opportunities.”
Caerdav is now actively seeking airlines, leasing companies, cargo carriers and STC holders (approved to modify or repair existing aircraft) to work with the company as part of this new endeavour.
