Israel Aircraft Industries will convert 4 Qantas' 737 passenger aircraft to freighters

David Arzi, Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd (IAI) deputy CEO and Israel Export Institute chairman, said last week that Bedek Aviation Group, A subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd will provide, in a deal worth $10 million, Australian airline Qantas with kits for the conversion of four 737-300 passenger aircraft to freight carriers
 
Arzi emphasized that the newly signed contract is the first Bedek signed with an Australian company. According to Arzi the project will commence in April and will be completed by January 2007 with an option for the conversion of four additional aircraft.
 
It is understood that four Boeing 737-300 aircraft have been utilized by the Qantas Group's New Zealand operation. After their conversion the aircraft will be used by Qantas domestic freight operator Australian air Express.( Australian air Express is owned jointly by Qantas and Australia Post).
 
Qantas said in a press release that this is the first jet freighter conversion work ever to be undertaken in Australia.
 

Qantas has established a new operation employing 60 new staff to undertake the work at its facility in Avalon, Victoria.