AVi8 Airways Signs MOU with Serene Air for Potential A330 Freighter Conversions

AVi8 Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding with Serene Air to explore the acquisition or leasing of Airbus A330 aircraft for potential passenger-to-freighter conversions, supporting its planned launch of operations in 2027.

The agreement, signed in Beijing, focuses on securing widebody aircraft capacity as AVi8 develops its cargo operations in Southeast Asia. The Singapore-headquartered airline, which plans to operate from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is targeting a combination of ACMI, charter and dedicated cargo services.

AVi8 intends to develop a mixed freighter fleet comprising Airbus A321F aircraft for regional and medium-haul operations and A330F aircraft for longer-haul cargo services. The proposed arrangement with Serene Air could provide access to A330 aircraft suitable for conversion.

Serene Air operates a seven-aircraft fleet comprising Boeing 737-800s, Embraer E190s and Airbus A330-200s. The airline is led by Chairman and CEO Yunchun Yang, who also chairs Chinese technology group Sai Microelectronics.

In addition to potential aircraft conversions, the two companies will explore cooperation in aircraft leasing and ACMI operations, including opportunities involving passenger and cargo aircraft.

AVi8 is positioning its planned freighter operations to serve growing Asia-Pacific cargo demand, particularly e-commerce and high-value manufacturing shipments requiring regional and long-haul capacity.

The airline expects to obtain its Air Operator Certificate in early 2027, with commercial operations targeted to begin in May 2027. The MOU remains preliminary, and no aircraft quantities, conversion commitments or financial terms were disclosed.