Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the maiden flight of its converted Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft, marking a key milestone in the certification campaign for its A330-300BDSF conversion programme.
The flight follows the completion of the aircraft’s primary structural modification phase and extensive ground testing carried out by IAI’s Aviation Group. During the flight, the aircraft and its systems were evaluated under multiple operational conditions as part of the ongoing certification process.
The A330-300BDSF is being developed for regional and medium-haul cargo operations and is designed to carry up to 30 containers with a maximum payload of 61 tonnes. The conversion incorporates an electrically powered cargo loading system and an optimised cargo flow configuration. The main deck cargo door is positioned forward to facilitate faster loading and unloading and help reduce aircraft turnaround times.
“This milestone reflects IAI’s continued investment in advanced aviation technologies and industrial and engineering capabilities, while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market,” said Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO, IAI. “The A330-300BDSF program further expands our broad conversion portfolio and reinforces IAI’s ability to provide long-term, flexible and reliable solutions to customers worldwide.”
According to IAI, the maiden flight represents another important step toward certification and eventual entry into commercial service. The company said its conversion approach is focused on enabling quick entry into service and supporting operators with accelerated operational readiness.
“The successful completion of the first flight marks another important step in expanding IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities and advancing the A330-300BDSF program toward certification and commercial service,” said Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager, IAI Aviation Group. “Leveraging decades of engineering expertise and operational experience, we are delivering a highly capable and competitive solution designed to address the evolving needs of the global cargo market.”
The A330-300 programme expands IAI’s widebody P2F capabilities across both Airbus and Boeing platforms. The company has previously developed the Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion and holds the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the conversion of the Boeing 777-300ER from passenger to freighter configuration.
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IAI currently supports P2F conversion programmes covering the Boeing 777-300ERSF, 767-200, 767-300, 737-700 and 737-800, alongside the new A330-300BDSF programme. The company is also expanding its global conversion network to meet demand from airlines, lessors and cargo operators.
With the A330-300BDSF now entering its flight-test and certification phase, IAI is seeking to build on its experience in structural modifications and P2F conversions as demand for widebody freighter capacity continues to evolve.
