Tel Aviv: With a backlog of 60 orders for the conversion of Boeing 777-300ER to cargo configuration, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) plans to open two new conversion sites in South Korea and Abu Dhabi.

IAI has recently signed an agreement to carry out passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions for Cargojet Canada’s Cargo Airline. The agreement was signed as a result of the growing global demand for cargo aircraft, and includes the conversion of 4 B777-300ER aircraft and additional options in the future.

IAI has recently signed a number of new agreements for cargo conversions, including converting B777-300ER aircraft for Emirates and establishing new conversion lines worldwide, including in Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, and other locations around the world. This agreement with Cargojet strengthens IAI’s strategy to expand its growing cargo conversion lines globally.

Cargojet is Canada’s leading provider of time sensitive premium air cargo services to all major cities across North America, providing dedicated ACMI and International Charter services and carries over 25,000,000 pounds of cargo weekly. Cargojet operates its network with a fleet of thirty-one (31) aircraft and is a long-term IAI customer for aircraft conversions.

Currently, IAI is converting the first B777-300ER aircraft for AerCap Cargo, who are also the co-investor on the program, in a process which is expected to finish in 2022. This is the first conversion of this model in the world.

Shmuel Kuzi, Executive VP& GM of IAI’s Aviation Group told Raksha Anirveda that the demand for conversions has increased dramatically. As a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, people are buying more and more online and that increases the demand for air cargo services.

Kuzi added that the 777-300 ER is the ideal aircraft for conversion as it is capable of carrying 100 tons of cargo and fly to long distances. “We are fully booked on the conversion line until 2026,” the IAI official said.

Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO, said that Cargojet’s selection of IAI to carry out the B777-300ER aircraft conversions is a testament to the trust and customer satisfaction in IAI’s conversion process and in the final product, and we thank Cargojet for the trust they have placed in us.

Paul Rinaldo, Cargojet’s Senior Vice President Maintenance & Engineering, said, “IAI is an important aviation partner and the B777-300ER conversions supports Cargojet’s international expansion and further strengthens the relationship between our two companies.”