IAI secures FAA STC for Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a major company in the field of passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft conversions, has announced a significant milestone in aviation. Following a year of intensive work, IAI has successfully completed the world’s first conversion of a Boeing B777-300ER from a passenger aircraft to a freighter, receiving the industry’s first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for this model from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), according to an official release from IAI.

AerCap is the launch customer of the B777-300ERSF conversion programme, while Kalitta will serve as the launch operator.

“IAI is a global leader in passenger-to freighter aircraft conversions, standing at the forefront of aeronautical technology and building on its extensive capabilities as Israel's largest aerospace company. The company takes great pride in being the first in the world to convert a Boeing 777 into a freighter. Receiving certification from aviation authorities highlights IAI's technological, engineering and operational expertise and positions the company as a pioneer in this field. This remarkable capability is the result of the company's professionalism and determination, paving the way for a broad expansion of our business activities with leading customers worldwide, and strengthening global e-commerce through advanced freighter aircraft solutions,” says Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries.

IAI told The STAT Trade Times in late July that it anticipated receiving the STC ‘within the next several weeks’. To date, the company has secured approximately 60 conversion orders.

The company recently approved the 777-300ERSF to transport the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine.

This marks a historic achievement, positioning IAI as the first company globally to convert an aircraft of this scale. As one of the largest cargo aircraft now in operation, the newly certified B777-300ERSF will significantly enhance global air freight capacity, speed, and efficiency, ushering in a new era for the logistics and aviation industries.

The Boeing 777 is set to reshape the future of air freight, offering an impressive payload capacity of 100 tonnes along with the potential to substantially lower operating costs. This advancement positions the aircraft as a transformative addition to the evolving global freighter market.

“After years of dedicated effort, especially during the past year, we are excited to receive the STC certificate for the P2F conversion of Boeing 777 aircraft from both the FAA and CAAI – a breakthrough that reflects our commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and global leadership in aircraft conversions. This milestone sets a new standard in air cargo, delivering a unique combination of high payload capacity, volume, and operational efficiency. The Boeing 777 was developed to meet the evolving needs of the cargo industry, and we believe it will become the preferred choice for international operators. I want to thank the aviation authorities and our team at IAI for their unwavering tenacity in bringing this transformative product to market,” says Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive VP and General Manager of IAI’s Aviation Group.