CUSTOMER SERVICES DIRECTORATE

2 ROND POINT EMILE DEWOITINE

31700 BLAGNAC FRANCE
TELEPHONE + 33 (0)5 61 93 33 33

FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRANSMISSION - FOT

TO: All A300,A300-600,A310,A318,A319,A320,A321,A330,A340,A350,A380 Operators

SUBJECT: ATA 03,25,26,50 – CARGO TRANSPORTATION IN THE CABIN

OUR REF.: 999.0028/20 Rev 02 dated 22-APR-2020

CLASSIFICATION: General information

APPLICABLE AIRCRAFT: This FOT is applicable to A300,A300-

600,A310,A318,A319,A320,A321,A330,A340,A350,A380

Notice: This FOT provides general flight operations information. It is left to each Operator’s
discretion whether to distribute this FOT, or to distribute the information contained in this
FOT, to all of their applicable flight crews for information.

REFERENCES

[1] EASA Guidelines on the transportation of cargo in the Cabin and exemptions under article 71(1)
revised on April 17th.
[2] ISI article 00.00.00370 “How to transport cargo in the aircraft cabin during COVID-19 outbreak?”

0. REASON FOR REVISION

General update of the Airbus guidance following Airbus investigations and EASA guidelines issued
on 17th April 2020 for Transport of Cargo in Passenger Compartment (ref [1] ).

The scope of EASA exemptions ref [1] has increased. The exemption allows, on a temporary basis
and as applicable or necessary, the transport of cargo (medical and non medical) in the passenger
cabin. Cargo items may be installed on seats, with adequate restraint systems/means, or, if seats
are removed, directly attached onto the aircraft floor using the available seat tracks.

1. INTRODUCTION

Several airlines are already operating cargo-only configurations of passenger aircraft in conjunction
with Covid-19 crisis. In order to enable such operations in this context, Airbus developed a set of
technical and operational recommendations through previous versions of this FOT and regular
updates of ISI article 00.00.00370 (Ref [2]). Adherence to these recommendations allows safe and
efficient cargo operations in passenger aircraft.

Airbus reminds that, in the type certification of the relevant large aeroplanes, the passenger cabin is
not approved as a cargo compartment. Therefore, it does not meet the applicable requirements for
the transportation of cargo. In this context, such operations must respect the recommendations of
EASA, of Airbus and of local authorities.

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2. DESCRIPTION

2.1 Transport of medical supply on the passengers seats

The transport of medical supplies on passenger seats requires a major change to the aircraft type
certificate or an STC. However, national authorities can grant exemptions. The EASA issued
guidelines for exemptions under Article 71(1) of Regulation 2018/1139 valid for the duration of the
crisis and not to exceed 8 months. This EASA article is extended to cover the transportation of
both medical and non-medical items.

Airbus can provide on demand via TechRequest the dossier with the required information to apply
for exemption. Airbus can also provide concrete examples of on-seat restraints.

2.2 Transport of general cargo on the passenger seats or after removal of the seats

The transport of general cargo on the passenger seats or after removal of the seats requires a
major change to the aircraft type certificate or an STC.

2.2.1 National Authorities exemptions

National authorities can grant exemptions as communicated by EASA on 17/04/2020 (ref[1]). The
EASA issued guidelines for exemptions under Article 71(1) of Regulation 2018/1139 valid for the
duration of the crisis and not to exceed 8 months. Cargo items may be installed if seats are
removed, directly attached onto the aircraft floor using the available seat tracks.

Airbus can provide on demand via TechRequest the dossier with the required information to apply
for exemption. Airbus can also provide concrete examples of on-seat restraints.

2.2.2 Airbus solution

The exemption dossier (refer to 2.2.1) introduces the Airbus solution to allow the use of already
available cargo pallets on the cabin floor when seats are removed, while respecting the seat track
load limits. The cargo loaded on the pallet can then be restrained by a net already certified for
pallet use. This solution could provide up to 8t and 76m3 additional capacity to approved stowage
compartments in the cabin area of A350-900 or A330-900/-300.

As a consequence, A330 and A350 aircraft could load approximately 12 to 13 tons of cargo on the
passenger deck with the following main benefits:
- Robustness of the solution in term of fire protection and load restraint,
- Easier and faster loading operations compared to on-seat option,
- Reduced cabin tear and wear.

Some airworthiness aspects of the solution are still under definition in cooperation with the
airworthiness authorities. This is the reason why these figures may evolve. The ISI article
00.00.00370 (ref [2]) and the support dossier for exemption will be updated with the most up-to-
date information for all aircraft types.

2.2.3 Permanent solution

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In order to deliver a safe and efficient solution for long term operations, beyond the 8 months limit
of the exemption, the Airbus task force is actively working on solution approval alongside with
authorities. The availability date of the associated Service Bulletins (SB) for each aircraft type will
be provided in the coming days in the ISI article (Ref[2]).

Operators willing to proceed before the Airbus solution is available must coordinate with their local
regulatory authority to ensure compliance with the applicable regulatory restrictions. Airbus can
provide technical data as part of an Engineering Data Provision Service contract. Please contact:
edp.services@airbus.com for more information.

3. FOLLOW-UP PLAN

This FOT will be followed by two webinars to explain the new Airbus guidance following the updated
EASA guidelines. You are kindly invited to attend one of them:

- Monday 27th April 2020 at 07:00 UTC time

- Monday 27th April 2020 at 14:00 UTC time

The details to connect will be provided in a separate document.

The ISI article 00.00.00370 is going to be updated with the most up to date information regarding
Airbus guidelines for cargo transportation in the cabin.

For any questions about the operational content of this FOT, please use TechRequest on
AirbusWorld.

Best regards,
Capt. Yann LARDET

Vice President, Flight Operations Support & Training Standards

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© AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT