WILMINGTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 17, 2025--
Air Transport Services Group, Inc., a leading provider of cargo aircraft leasing, air cargo transportation, and related services, today announced the delivery of its first A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to Warsaw Cargo, an emerging air cargo operator based in Warsaw, Poland.
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The A321-200PCF is a highly capable narrowbody freighter that brings modern efficiency and versatility to regional air cargo networks. Converted through 321 Precision Conversions, a joint venture of ATSG, the aircraft features containerized main deck cargo capability, excellent fuel efficiency, and a payload capacity of up to 27 tons. Its design makes it particularly well-suited for time-sensitive shipments in high-density, short- to medium-haul markets.
“ATSG continues to grow its global leasing fleet with high-performance, fuel-efficient aircraft, providing flexible, reliable aircraft solutions tailored to our clients’ operational goals,” said Todd France, Chief Commercial Officer of ATSG. “This delivery represents another milestone in our international growth strategy and supports Warsaw Cargo’s vision to expand reliable cargo service across Europe.”
Warsaw Cargo specializes in flexible ACMI and charter solutions for both short- and long-term cargo operations. The addition of the A321 freighter to its fleet will allow the carrier to enhance service across Europe and adjacent regions, meeting growing demand for regional express and e-commerce cargo.
“As a new cargo carrier, we’re focused on building a strong foundation with the right partners and the right equipment,” said Jarosław Chłopecki, Chief Executive Officer of Warsaw Cargo. “This A321 freighter allows us to launch operations with a reliable, efficient aircraft platform, and ATSG’s expertise and support have been instrumental. We’re excited to meet the growing demand for regional cargo service across Europe.”
About Air Transport Services Group
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) is a premier provider of aircraft leasing and air cargo transportation solutions for both domestic and international air carriers, as well as companies seeking outsourced air cargo services. ATSG is the global leader in freighter leasing with a fleet that includes Boeing 767, Airbus A321, and Airbus A330 aircraft. A diverse portfolio of subsidiaries encompasses ATSG's Lease+Plus aircraft leasing strategy including three airlines holding separate and distinct U.S. FAA Part 121 Air Carrier certificates to provide air cargo lift, passenger ACMI and charter services: aircraft maintenance, airport ground services and material handling equipment engineering and service. ATSG subsidiaries include ABX Air, Inc.; Airborne Global Solutions, Inc.; Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc.; Air Transport International, Inc.; Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc.; and Omni Air International, LLC. For further details, visit www.atsginc.com.
About Warsaw Cargo
Warsaw Cargo is a Poland-based startup air cargo carrier focused on delivering flexible and reliable freight solutions across Europe and neighboring regions. Specializing in ACMI and charter operations, Warsaw Cargo is committed to providing responsive service tailored to the evolving needs of logistics providers, e-commerce platforms, and freight forwarders. With a focus on efficiency, scalability, and customer-driven solutions, Warsaw Cargo is building a modern fleet designed to meet the growing demand for regional air cargo transportation. For further details, visit www.warsawcargo.com.
ATSG today announced the delivery of its first EASA- certified A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion to Warsaw Cargo.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Gunmen attacked several locations in Mali's capital and other cities on Saturday in a possible coordinated assault, residents and authorities said.
Mali’s army said in a statement that “unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks” in Bamako and that soldiers were “engaged in eliminating the attackers.” It said in another statement later the situation was under control.
An Associated Press journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keïta International Airport, around 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center, and saw a helicopter over nearby neighborhoods. The airport is adjacent to an air base used by Mali's air force. A resident living near the airport also reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling overhead.
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a security alert citing reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and the international airport, and urged U.S. citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel there.
Mali has been plagued by insurgencies fought by affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, as well as a separatist rebellion in the north.
Residents in other cities in central and northern Mali reported gunfire and blasts on Saturday morning.
A resident of Kati, a town near Bamako that is home to Mali’s main military base, said he was woken by the sound of gunfire and explosions. Gen. Assimi Goita, the leader of Mali’s military junta, resides in Kati.
Videos on social media showed militant convoys in trucks and motorcycles moving through the town's deserted streets, while residents looked on fearfully.
Residents of Sevare and Mopti, two towns in central Mali, also reported attacks by gunmen.
Other videos in the northern towns of Kidal and Gao showed gunfire exchanges in the streets, with dead bodies lying on the ground.
Gunmen entered Kidal, taking control of some neighborhoods and leading to exchanges of fire with the army, a former mayor of the town told the AP by phone, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for his safety.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Tuareg-led Azawad separatist movement, said in a post on Facebook that its forces had taken control of Kidal as well as some areas in Gao, another northeastern city. The AP could not independently verify his claim.
Kidal had long served as a stronghold of the separatist rebellion before being taken by Malian government forces and Russian mercenaries in 2023. Its capture marked a significant symbolic victory for the junta and its Russian allies.
The Tuareg-led separatists have been fighting for years to create an independent state in northern Mali.
A resident of Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, said gunfire and explosions started in the early hours of Saturday and could still be heard in the late morning.
“The force of the explosions is making the doors and windows of my house shake. I’m scared out of my wits,” the resident told AP by phone. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of concerns for his safety. The resident said the gunfire came from the army camp and the airport, which are right next to each other.
Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, said the assault seems to be the largest coordinated attack in years in Mali.
“It’s especially concerning that JNIM (al-Qaida affiliated group) apparently has been coordinating today’s attacks with Tuareg rebels. Jihadists and Tuareg rebels teamed up in 2012 when they overran northern Mali, sparking the region's security crisis.” Laessing said.
Mali, alongside neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has long been battling armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies to Russia for help combating Islamic militants. But the security situation has worsened in recent times, analysts say, with a record number of attacks by militants. Government forces have also been accused of killing civilians they suspect of collaborating with militants.
In 2024, an al-Qaida-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako’s airport and a military training camp in the capital, killing scores of people.
An ariel view of Bamako, Mali, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo)
