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IAI’s first Airbus cargo conversion completes maiden flight

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Israel Aerospace Industries completed the first flight of an Airbus A330-200 converted into a cargo aircraft, advancing the program toward certification and customer delivery.
  • The A330-300BDSF is designed for regional and medium-range cargo routes, with capacity for up to 30 containers and a payload of up to 61 tons.
  • The program marks IAI’s first Airbus conversion and expands its cargo-aircraft business beyond Boeing platforms.

Israel Aerospace Industries has completed the first flight of an Airbus A330-200 converted into a cargo aircraft, opening a new chapter in the company’s aircraft-conversion business.

The aircraft took off from and landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Friday morning. The flight formed part of the certification process and followed the completion of the main structural conversion and extensive ground testing under different operating conditions.

The A330-300BDSF was designed for regional and medium-range cargo operations. It can carry up to 30 cargo containers and a payload of up to 61 tons. An electric loading system and a forward main-deck cargo door are intended to speed loading and unloading and improve operational efficiency.

This milestone reflects the continued investment of Israel Aerospace Industries in advanced aviation technologies and industrial and engineering capabilities, while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market.

· Guy Bar LevIAI’s chief executive described the significance of the first Airbus conversion flight.

Until now, IAI had converted Boeing aircraft for cargo operations, aerial refueling and VIP use, including the Wing of Zion aircraft used by Israel’s prime minister and president. The Airbus program followed approval from the European manufacturer and extends the company’s existing Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion work, which has received dozens of orders.

The aircraft are passenger planes that have typically served for around 20 years and no longer meet airline standards because of fuel-consumption requirements. Converted aircraft cost tens of millions of dollars, including the purchase price, compared with more than $250 million for a new cargo aircraft of the same model. IAI CEO Guy Bar Lev said the program expands the company’s conversion portfolio and strengthens its ability to provide long-term cargo solutions.

The A330-300BDSF aircraft conversion program expands our comprehensive conversion portfolio and strengthens our ability to provide our customers around the world with flexible and reliable long-term solutions.

· Guy Bar LevHe explained how the Airbus program fits into IAI’s broader business.
About this summary

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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