IAI advances A330-300 freighter conversion towards certification
The company is also expanding its global network of conversion facilities to support airlines, leasing firms and cargo operators.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has reached a milestone in its Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion programme, with the aircraft completing primary structural work and coming off jacks as it moves closer to certification.
The company said the programme has now entered the ground and flight testing phase, with the first flight of the converted aircraft expected in the coming weeks. Certification of the aircraft is targeted by the end of the year.
The A330-300 passenger-to-freighter programme marks an expansion of IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities across both Airbus and Boeing aircraft platforms. The company said the development comes at a time when demand for freighter aircraft continues to increase globally.
IAI stated that it is among a limited number of companies worldwide capable of carrying out passenger-to-freighter conversions for both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including widebody platforms. The company is also expanding its global network of conversion facilities to support airlines, leasing firms and cargo operators.
Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, said: “This achievement marks another step in executing IAI’s long-term vision to expand its role in the global air cargo market. By continuously advancing our technological and industrial capabilities, we are positioned to deliver scalable and reliable solutions that align with our customers’ evolving operational needs, while reinforcing our leadership in the conversion arena.”
Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP & GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, said the programme reflected the company’s experience in aircraft conversion and engineering. “This milestone reflects IAI’s ability to transform decades of experience and advanced engineering expertise into long-term value for our customers. Our A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion has been purpose-built to meet evolving market demand, delivering a highly competitive value proposition and strong market appeal. As one of the few companies worldwide with the capability to execute comprehensive and highly complex conversions across both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, IAI offers customers greater fleet flexibility, long-term confidence and resilient investment value across market cycles.”
According to the company, the A330-300BDSF conversion is designed for regional and medium-haul cargo operations and can accommodate up to 30 cargo containers with a payload capacity of up to 61 tonnes. The aircraft also incorporates an advanced cargo handling system intended to improve loading efficiency and cargo flow.
IAI said the positioning of the main deck cargo door at the forward section of the aircraft is expected to reduce loading and unloading times. The company added that the availability of Airbus A330-300 aircraft in the global feedstock market provides operators with an option to replace ageing freighter fleets.
The company has been active in passenger-to-freighter conversions for more than 45 years and currently supports conversion programmes across both widebody and narrowbody aircraft categories. IAI said its customers include Amazon, Gulfstream Aerospace and DHL.
IAI also noted that it was the first company to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate for converting a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into a freighter. Alongside the A330-300 programme, the company currently carries out conversions for Boeing 767-200, Boeing 767-300, Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
