air-cargo

Widebody Conversions Surpass Narrowbodies for First Time Since 2009

Widebody freighter conversions exceeded narrowbody conversions in 2025, marking the first time in over 15 years that widebodies have dominated the conversion market. The shift reflects a significant slowdown in narrowbody conversions rather than growth in widebody activity.

Narrowbody conversions dropped to fewer than 20 last year from approximately 70 in 2024. This decline was driven by aircraft oversupply stemming from post-pandemic orders, when cargo demand surged and operators sought to utilize unused narrowbody aircraft.

Widebody conversions actually declined to 30 units in 2025 from 40 in 2024 as operators struggle to source available aircraft. Carriers have retained widebody capacity in passenger service due to its premium value. Industry analysts project narrowbody oversupply will persist through 2028.

This year is expected to see modest gains in widebody conversions, exceeding 30 units, while narrowbody conversions remain constrained at just over 20.