Tag Archives: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

IAI to Convert A330-300 Aircraft from Passenger to Freighter for Avolon

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will convert A330-300 aircraft from passenger to freighter configuration for Avolon. As part of the agreement with Avolon, IAI will convert 30 Airbus A330-300 jets from passenger to cargo configuration between 2025 and 2028. The signing of the agreement with Avolon, the first customer for cargo conversions of this aircraft model, follows the backdrop of high profits in 2021 and the projected doubling of cargo aircraft traffic in the next 20 years due to increased e-commerce.

Avolon is the third-largest aircraft leasing company in the world, with a fleet of 837 aircraft (as of June 2021). In additional to being the first customer for cargo conversions for this aircraft, Avolon will fully take part in the aircraft conversion and licensing process.

The A330-300 aircraft, which will be converted at IAI, will provide a competitive and advanced solution for cargo and commerce companies looking to expand and improve their widebody cargo jet fleet. The converted model will increase cargo volume capacity with up to 27 main deck pallet positions, one more than the competition, and will improve the cargo loading capacity due to the unique cargo door placement, and will support and enhance the operations surrounding cargo jet flights.

IAI and GECAS begin first Boeing 777-300ER SF passenger to freighter conversion

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has begun the structural modification phase in the conversion of the firstย Boeing 777-300ERSF, in partnership with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The beginning of the conversion marks the end of the development process and the start of the structural and systems modification phase. The conversion process will take approximately 130 days, at the end of which the passenger aircraft will be turned into a freighter aircraft.

The development process is complicated and highlights IAI engineersโ€™ extensive experience in aviation, with their envisioned goal of creating a cargo conversion aircraft that will have the high quality and capabilities providing clients with the optimal solution. The passenger-to-freighter conversion includes changing the structure, which involves installing a new cargo door, replacing and strengthening the aircraft floor, installing reinforcements near the cargo opening, and modifying electrical systems to enable safe and convenient operation. In addition, the process will include receiving certification for the converted aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), among others.

Over the past few years, there has been an increased demand for cargo jets due to a rise in e-commerce, which has peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the Boeing 767 model. As of today, all the slots for converting the Boeing 767 are filled until 2022. IAI is the leading conversion center for cargo jets, and among its customers are market leaders including as Amazon, DHL, UPS and others.