Challenge Group Upgrades India Cargo Route with Boeing 777-300ERSF

Challenge Group continues its international expansion, announcing an upgrade to its air cargo route between Tel Aviv and Mumbai (BOM), India. Starting July 2, 2026, the company will transition to an upgraded operational model on this route using Boeing 777-300ERSF freighter aircraft, replacing the Boeing 767s used until now.

The transition to the new model is expected to double the transport capacity on the route and offer advanced logistics solutions for complex cargo.

The new route structure will include one direct weekly flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Mumbai, and two weekly flights operated via the group's hub in Liege, Belgium (LGG).

For exports, flights will operate on the Tel Aviv – Liege – Mumbai route. For imports, the route will be Mumbai – Liege – Tel Aviv.

This upgrade is taking place in one of the world's most important economic and logistics hubs, aiming to offer the company's customers improved capacity and more advanced transport capabilities.

767 vs. 777

The transition to the Boeing 777-300ERSF (dubbed the "Big Twin") represents a significant leap in capacity: while the outgoing Boeing 767-300F aircraft offer a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 52 to 58 tons and a volume accommodating 24 pallets on the main deck, the converted 777 model is capable of carrying approximately 100 tons of cargo and offers a volume for 30 pallets on the main deck—a growth of about 50% in physical storage volume and nearly double the payload weight.

In addition to the increased weight and volume, the 777 is capable of transporting extra-long, high, and particularly sensitive cargo (thanks to a wider cargo door on the upper deck) and saves approximately 20% in fuel consumption per ton of cargo compared to previous generation aircraft.

It should be noted that Challenge Group currently operates a fleet of Boeing 747 and 767 freighter aircraft through three subsidiaries: Challenge Airlines IL in Israel, Challenge Airlines BE in Belgium, and Challenge Airlines MT in Malta.

The integration of the Boeing 777-300ERSF on the India route is part of the group's long-term procurement plan and within the framework of the Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion project it manages in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), aiming to reach a fleet of 20 wide-body freighter aircraft by 2030.

This move comes against the backdrop of recent Israel Airports Authority reports for January–May 2026, which rank Challenge Airlines first at Ben Gurion Airport in cargo transport via dedicated freighters, with a cumulative volume of over 41,000 tons since the beginning of the year.

Operational Specifications: Tel Aviv (TLV) – Mumbai (BOM) Route