Israel Aerospace Industries' first cargo-converted Airbus aircraft completes first flight

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) completed the first successful flight of an Airbus A330-200 converted into a cargo aircraft, marking a milestone in the company’s expansion into Airbus aircraft conversions.

The flight, which took off from and landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Friday morning, was part of the aircraft’s certification process and marks a significant step toward delivery to customers and entry into service.

The flight followed the completion of the aircraft’s main structural conversion phase and an extensive series of ground tests, during which the aircraft and its systems were examined under a range of operating conditions.

The Airbus A330-300BDSF was designed for cargo operations on regional routes and medium-range flights. It offers cargo operators a competitive solution, with capacity for up to 30 cargo containers and a payload of up to 61 tons. The aircraft features an electric cargo-loading system and optimized cargo-flow capabilities. The forward placement of the main deck cargo door enables faster loading and unloading while improving operational efficiency.

First Airbus cargo conversion for IAI

Until now, IAI has converted only Boeing aircraft for cargo operations, aerial refueling, and VIP aircraft such as Wing of Zion, which is used by the prime minister and president. This is the first time IAI has converted an Airbus aircraft, after receiving approval from the European manufacturer.

The project extends IAI’s Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program, which has already received dozens of orders. The 777, and now the A330, are being given a second life after serving for around 20 years as passenger aircraft and no longer meeting airline standards because of fuel-consumption requirements.

Both aircraft types are now being retired from airline service and are available for conversion. A converted aircraft costs tens of millions of dollars, including the purchase of the aircraft itself, compared with more than $250 million for a new cargo aircraft of the same model directly from the production line.

IAI CEO: New Airbus program strengthens company's abilities

"This milestone reflects the continued investment of Israel Aerospace Industries in advanced aviation technologies and industrial and engineering capabilities, while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market," said IAI CEO Guy Bar Lev. "The A330-300BDSF aircraft conversion program expands our comprehensive conversion portfolio and strengthens our ability to provide our customers around the world with flexible and reliable long-term solutions."

IAI Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Group, Yaakov Berkovitz, who carries out the conversions, said that "through decades of engineering and operational experience, we provide a solution with advanced and competitive capabilities designed to address the evolving needs of the global cargo market."