IAI completes maiden flight of A330-300 freighter
IAI has completed the maiden flight of its A330-300BDSF freighter, advancing the programme toward certification and commercial service.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has successfully completed the maiden flight of its converted Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft, marking a key milestone in the certification campaign for its A330-300BDSF programme.
The aircraft’s first flight follows the completion of its primary structural modification phase and extensive ground testing conducted by IAI’s Aviation Group.
During the flight, the aircraft and its systems were evaluated under multiple operational conditions as part of the ongoing certification process.
The successful flight brings IAI another step closer to securing certification and the entry into service of its A330-300BDSF freighter programme, expanding its portfolio of passenger-to-freighter conversion capabilities.
Guy Bar Lev, IAI President and CEO, said, “This milestone reflects IAI’s continued investment in advanced aviation technologies and industrial and engineering capabilities, while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market. The A330-300BDSF program further expands our broad conversion portfolio and reinforces IAI’s ability to provide long-term, flexible and reliable solutions to customers worldwide.”
Designed for regional and medium-haul cargo operations, the A330-300BDSF can carry up to 30 containers and offers a maximum payload of 61 tonnes. The freighter is equipped with an electric cargo loading system and an optimised cargo flow to improve handling efficiency.
Its main deck cargo door is positioned toward the front of the aircraft, enabling faster loading and unloading and helping reduce turnaround times for operators.
Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, said, “The successful completion of the first flight marks another important step in expanding IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities and advancing the A330-300BDSF program toward certification and commercial service. Leveraging decades of engineering expertise and operational experience, we are delivering a highly capable and competitive solution designed to address the evolving needs of the global cargo market. IAI approach is designed around the customer’s requirement for quick entry into service, supporting accelerated operational readiness and earlier revenue realisation.”
The A330-300BDSF programme further strengthens Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) position as one of the few companies globally with proven passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion capabilities across both Boeing and Airbus platforms, including widebody aircraft.
The programme builds on IAI’s experience with the Boeing 777-300ERSF, described as the world’s first and only passenger-to-freighter conversion programme for the aircraft type. The A330-300BDSF adds another widebody platform to IAI’s growing conversion portfolio as demand for efficient freighter capacity continues to evolve.
IAI is also expanding its global network of conversion facilities to support airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators worldwide.
With more than 45 years of experience in P2F conversions, IAI has developed expertise across both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The company was the first to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for converting a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into a freighter and currently performs conversions on the Boeing 777-300ERSF, 767-200, 767-300, 737-700 and 737-800 platforms.
