IAI and GECAS Begin To Actualize Their Part Of An Approximately $400M Agreement

The conversion of the first Boeing 777-300ERSF, from passenger to freighter has begun. The project is being carried out by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in partnership with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The structural and systems modification phase will take approximately 130 days, marking the completion of the shift to freighter aircraft.

A complicated development process highlights IAI engineers’ substantial experience in the aviation industry, with their envisioned goal of creating a cargo conversion aircraft set to provide clients with the optimal solution.

The conversion from passenger-to-freighter means a change of structure, which involves installing a new cargo door, replacing and strengthening the aircraft floor, installing reinforcements near the cargo opening, and modifying electrical systems to enable safe and convenient operation. At completion, the project will receive certification for the converted aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and others.

Yossi Melamed, Executive VP of the Aviation Group at IAI, said: “Two years ago, we took our first steps on the courageous journey of the cooperation agreement to convert the B777-300ERSF aircraft. Over the course of these past two years, we have invested thousands of hours coupled with engineering and logistical efforts, in order to reach this moment in accordance with the original schedule.” He added that the demand for cargo jets has risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, given the surge of e-commerce over the past year and a half.

Melamed says that the demand for converting the B777 aircraft is high and IAI expects that open spots for conversions will be quickly filled.

IAI clients include Amazon, DHL, UPS and others.

FMI: https://www.iai.co.il