Israel Aerospace Industries Launches New Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion Lines in Arizona
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has launched new passenger-to-freighter conversion lines for Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at a facility in Arizona, in partnership with Ascent Aviation Services and World Star Aviation. This move expands IAI's global operations and is expected to create hundreds of aviation jobs. IAI is the first company globally to receive STC approval for this specific conversion, extending aircraft lifespans for cargo transport.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel Aerospace Industries launched new Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversion lines in Arizona.
- The Arizona facility operates in partnership with Ascent Aviation Services and World Star Aviation.
- IAI is the world's first company with STC approval for Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions.
- The new operation is expected to create hundreds of professional aviation jobs in Arizona.
- IAI is also developing a conversion program for Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced the commencement of operations for converting Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters at a new facility in Arizona. This expansion, conducted in partnership with international firms Ascent Aviation Services and World Star Aviation, marks a significant step in IAI's global strategy within the civil aviation market.
The Arizona site features two dedicated conversion lines, designed to increase production capacity and bring the conversion process closer to North American clients. IAI is responsible for the engineering solutions, technology, and conversion processes, while Ascent provides the infrastructure and operational capabilities. World Star Aviation is coordinating activities related to the first aircraft undergoing conversion.
IAI is the world's first and only company to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for converting the Boeing 777-300ER from passenger to freighter configuration. This conversion process extends the operational lifespan of existing aircraft, adapting them for large-scale, long-haul cargo transport. Converted Boeing 777s have already accumulated over 35,000 flight hours.
The new Arizona facility is expected to create hundreds of professional aviation jobs and bolster the aerospace industry in the region. IAI is also advancing a similar conversion program for Airbus A330-300 aircraft, aiming to offer solutions for two major wide-body models.
IAI CEO Guy Bar Lev stated that the company leverages decades of experience and engineering expertise to develop advanced solutions for the civil aviation market, with passenger-to-freighter conversions being a key component. He added that establishing operations in the U.S. is part of IAI's long-term strategy to strengthen its global position. Yakov Berkovich, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IAI's Aviation Division, highlighted the Arizona facility as a milestone in IAI's global conversion program, emphasizing the collaboration's role in expanding production capacity and accessibility for North American customers.
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