IAI has begun the structural modification of Boeing 777-300ERSF in cooperation with GECAS to provide a leading professional solution to the air cargo industry.
27 August 2021: Passenger to freighter conversion emerged as a surprising growth sector and turned out to be a lifesaver for many airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Gauging the booming e-commerce market and increasing demand of cargo freighters many operators opted for permanent cargo conversions while some operators went for temporary conversions to meet the demands of pandemic.
As per the 20-year cargo outlook by Boeing, the industry will need an additional 2430 freighters, with 930 of them new-build widebodies such as the 747-8F, 767F and 777F, as well as 1,500 P2F conversions. Besides the market predictions, the falling market value of older planes has also made freighter conversions an attractive option for many airlines.
This has opened a huge market for conversion companies like Singapore Technologies Engineering, Israel Aerospace Industries and Aeronautical Engineers. Taking advantage of the current situation IAI has signed a a strategic partnership with Etihad Engineering to provide Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversions on Boeing 777-300ER’s.
Boaz Levy, President & CEO, Israel Aerospace Industries, said “The Abraham Accords have given IAI the opportunity to expand its global activity to the Gulf region. IAI is active in over 100 countries across the world. Establishing the conversion site in partnership with Etihad Engineering is a testament to IAI’s strong ties with the UAE and strengthens its foothold in the region. I am confident that this agreement will lead to many more partnerships with local companies in the Gulf States, which will grow our business in the region.”
In 2019, IAI and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) announced the launch of the Boeing 777-300ERSF, a programme which established a P2F conversion dubbed ‘The Big Twin’ denoting its status as the largest ever twin-engine freighter.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said, “The Boeing 777-300ERSF is not only extremely attractive to customers but a technological breakthrough, given that it’s the first in its size category to offer extensive cargo solutions. Not only do we see the demand, but we view it as a greener, more profitable, highly innovative solution for our airline customers, and an excellent way to drive value for our business.”
Abdul Khaliq Saeed, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Engineering, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IAI which maximises the potential of our highly skilled workforce and reinforces Etihad Engineering’s position as a centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic vision 2030. Our commitment to the P2F programme demonstrates our confidence in the ability of IAI to deliver long-term value enhancement of the B777-300ER’s in the global fleet.”
Etihad Engineering will capitalise on their expertise and extensive capabilities for the specialised Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion. In the initial stage of the partnership, Etihad Engineering will facilitate two conversion lines accommodating multiple aircraft conversions per year.
Yossi Melamed, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Israel Aerospace Industries Aviation Group, said, “IAI’s Aviation Group, the world’s leading cargo conversion provider, has begun the structural modification of Boeing 777-300ERSF in cooperation with GECAS to provide a leading professional solution to the air cargo industry. Over many years, Etihad Engineering has received the highest professional regard from IAI’s Aviation Group. The Abraham Accords have enabled us to meet the company’s managers first-hand, to see their ability and dedication, in addition to witnessing the company’s great capabilities in the field of jet maintenance. The agreement we signed adds a significant tier to the relations between Israel and the Gulf States. I have no doubt following this agreement, additional agreements with companies in the region will arrive, and they will economically benefit the sides involved. I would like to thank Tony Douglas, the company’s CEO, and my friend Abdul Khaliq Saeed for the energy they invested in bringing to fruition the first cooperation agreement between IAI and Etihad Engineering. I eagerly await the moment when B77-300ERSF jets converted jointly by IAI and Etihad Engineering will take to the skies and serve clients all over the world.”
While the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the aviation sector, cargo operations are offsetting operators’ losses, as it continues to play a critical role in facilitating international trade. As a result, industry forecasts show an increase in demand for wide-body freighter aircraft with long-haul capacity.
