Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has received the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the conversion of the Boeing 777 -300 from passenger to cargo configuration.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a global leader in aircraft passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, announced September 1, 2025 – a landmark achievement in aviation history with the successful completion of the Boeing B777-300ERSF conversion from a passenger aircraft into a freighter and the receipt of the industry’s first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certificate from both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI). The STC has been granted after a long series of tests and inspections.
As one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, the newly certified B777-300ERSF will significantly increase global shipping capacity, speed and efficiency. This is a significant breakthrough in aviation and IAI is the first company in the world to convert an aircraft of this magnitude.
According to IAI, the Boeing 777 is poised to redefine the future of air freight with an impressive capacity of 100 tons and the ability to significantly reduce operating costs. This innovation positions the aircraft as a game-changer in the evolving global freighter market.
AerCap is the launch customer of the B777-300ERSF conversion programme, while Kalitta will serve as the launch operator.
Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, said, “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.”
Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive VP and General Manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, commented, “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.”
Yaacov Berkovitz told Raksha Anirveda that from the 600 Boeing B777-300 flying around the world, 300-400 will be converted to cargo configuration in the coming years.
IAI is a world leader in passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, trusted by industry leaders such as Amazon, Gulfstream, DHL and others. Following the increasingly growing demand for freighter aircraft globally, the Company is expanding its global footprint of conversion facilities for the Boeing 777 aircraft.
For over 45 years, IAI has been a pioneer in the field of passenger-to-freighter conversions, delivering comprehensive solutions across all segments of the global aviation market. The company is recognised as the world’s leading conversion house, with unmatched expertise spanning a wide range of aircraft models and operations. Its broad portfolio includes passenger-to-cargo aircraft conversions, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, business jet customisation, aero structures, aircraft upgrades and more.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
