Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed an agreement with Canada’s Cargojet to carry out passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions on four B777-300ER aircraft and with additional options in the future.
IAI said in a statement that the order is valued at “tens of millions of US dollars”.
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.
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.
Cargojet transports over 11,340 tonnes of cargo per week and operates its network with a fleet of 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.
Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO, said: “We have been experiencing a rise in demand for converted cargo aircraft. The rise in e-commerce, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in cargo aircraft becoming a central player in the world of aviation.
“IAI has decades-long experience in aircraft cargo conversions, and combines advanced technologies with its expert production capabilities in aviation to provide the best solution on the market.”
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.”
Photo: B777-300ER during conversion (credit: IAI)
