Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) concluded the first flight of its cargo converted B777-300ER passenger aircraft for AerCap, paving way for its final certification. The B777-300ER is also known as the Big Twin.
IAI’s cargo conversion program for the Big Twin is currently in the final stage of certification with a firm backlog of over 60 aircraft expected to deliver over the next five years.
The first test flight is a part of the final certification process by the Civil Aviation Authorities. Once approved, the Big Twin will be the first twin engine aircraft of this type, able to carry 100 tons' cargo payload.
This program adds to IAI’s 45-year aircraft conversion track record including the B767-200/300, B747-400, and B737-700/800 freighter programs.
Looking at the growing freighter demand across the industry IAI is setting up a number of remote conversion facilities around the world. Besides IAI also signed multiple contracts of passenger-to-freighter (P2F) converted aircraft with AerCap, Emirates Cargo, Challenge Group, EVA Air and CargoJet.