IAI Successfully Converts Passenger Boeing 777 into Cargo Plane

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced today that it has successfully completed the conversion of a Boeing 777 from a passenger to a cargo configuration. The company received the STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for the conversion from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI).

The converted aircraft, a B777-300ERSF, is among the largest cargo aircraft in the world. It will significantly increase the quantity, speed, and quality of international shipping. This is a significant breakthrough in the aviation and aircraft conversion industry, with IAI being the first company in the world to convert an aircraft of this size.

The Boeing 777 is set to lead the international air cargo industry as it allows for the transport of a large volume of 100 tons, long-distance flights, and fuel savings. This achievement positions the aerospace industry at the forefront of global innovation in aviation in general and in the converted aircraft market in particular.

The company announced that AerCap is the first customer in the cargo aircraft conversion program for the B777-300ERSF model, while Kalitta will serve as the first operator of the aircraft.

Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, said: 'IAI is a global leader in the passenger-to-cargo aircraft conversion market and is at the forefront of aeronautical technology based on the extensive capabilities of Israel's largest aerospace company. It is a great pride to be the first company in the world to convert a Boeing 777 into a cargo aircraft, and receiving the license from the aviation authorities emphasizes the company's technological, engineering, and operational capabilities and positions the aerospace industry as a pioneer in this field as well. This unique capability is an outstanding result of professionalism and determination in the company and allows for a significant expansion of business activity for leading customers in the world while increasing online global trade for cargo aircraft.'

Yaakov Barkovich, Aviation Division Manager and Deputy CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, said: 'After years of effort and a significant concentration of effort in the past year, we are excited to receive the license for IAI's converted Boeing 777 from the civil aviation authorities. This is a breakthrough on a global scale that combines technological courage, audacity, and excellence and sets a new bar in the world of aviation. IAI developed the conversion, in which the aircraft was converted to suit the changing and growing needs of the cargo world, which combines the need to carry heavy cargo and large volumes together with efficiency and operational savings. IAI is the world's leading conversion house and with this innovative conversion, there is no doubt that this platform will become the preferred choice for customers and will provide a response to the growing needs of the international shipping world. I would like to thank the aviation authorities, the employees of IAI, and especially the teams of the Aviation Division, for their work and their great contribution to bringing a groundbreaking product to the aviation market.'

Israel Aerospace Industries IAI is a global leader in the field of aircraft conversions from passengers to cargo, among its clients are giants such as Amazon, Gulfstream, DHL, and more. In response to the growing demand in the world for cargo aircraft, the aerospace industry is currently establishing additional conversion sites for the Boeing777 aircraft. The aerospace industry is the world's leading conversion house for various aircraft models and combines all aviation activities, including passenger-to-cargo aircraft conversions, maintenance, executive aircraft, complexes and aviation structures, aircraft upgrades, and more.