AIRCRAFT - Emirates takes first B777-300(ERSF) post-conversion

Emirates (EK, Dubai International) has taken redelivery of the first B777-300(ERSF) after conversion by Israel Aerospace Industries. A6-EBK (msn 34481) was ferried from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion to Abu Dhabi International for repainting on May 28, 2026. The aircraft was operated by Emirates as a passenger-configured B777-300ER until late October 2025. It is the first of at least ten of its own B777s that Emirates is planning to convert into freighters.

CH Avaition / Phto: Flyingphotos

FLEET - IAI and Fly Meta begin the inaugural conversion of the 777-300ERSF in Seoul (South Korea)

Photo: Ton Jochems-BUD

AI today inaugurated its new 777-300ERSF conversion line in South Korea with the induction of an aircraft for Fly Meta at the Sharp Technics K facility.
The 2013-vintage unit 41818 (ex-Turkish Airlines) arrived in Seoul (ICN) from Istanbul (ISL) on May 1. IAI hopes to complete conversion in about 180 days, it told Cargo Facts
Cargo Facts

 

AIRCRAFT - IAI Marks Major Milestone as Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion Comes Off Jacks

The A330-300 P2F marks an expansion of IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities across both Airbus and Boeing platforms

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a global leader in aircraft passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, announced today that it reached a milestone in expanding its passenger-to-freighter conversion capabilities for the Airbus A330-300 program. With the aircraft now off jacks, the program has completed its primary structural work and made significant progress toward conversion completion and certification. The program is now entering the ground and flight test phase, with the first flight of the converted aircraft scheduled to take place in the upcoming weeks and certification expected by the end of the year.

The Company is one of a select few worldwide with proven capability to perform advanced conversions for aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, including complex widebody platforms. As global demand for freighter aircraft continues to rise, IAI is expanding its worldwide network of conversion facilities, in order to deliver flexible, high-value solutions to airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators worldwide.

Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI: “This achievement marks another step in executing IAI’s long-term vision to expand its role in the global air cargo market. By continuously advancing our technological and industrial capabilities, we are positioned to deliver scalable and reliable solutions that align with our customers’ evolving operational needs, while reinforcing our leadership in the conversion arena.”

Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP & GM, IAI’s Aviation Group: “This milestone reflects IAI’s ability to transform decades of experience and advanced engineering expertise into long-term value for our customers. Our A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion has been purpose-built to meet evolving market demand, delivering a highly competitive value proposition and strong market appeal. As one of the few companies worldwide with the capability to execute comprehensive and highly complex conversions across both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, IAI offers customers greater fleet flexibility, long-term confidence and resilient investment value across market cycles.”

The A330-300BDSF conversion provides a cutting-edge solution for cargo operators, offering increased cargo capacity of up to 30 containers and a payload of up to 61 tons. Designed for regional and medium-haul cargo missions, it enhances loading efficiency through an advanced cargo handling system and optimized cargo flow. The forward positioning of the main deck cargo door further reduces operating time by enabling faster loading and unloading. At the same time, the robust global feedstock pool of A330-300 aircraft provides an attractive next-generation replacement for aging fleets.

For more than 45 years, IAI has been a pioneer and global leader in passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, delivering comprehensive solutions across every segment of the aviation market. Trusted by industry leaders including Amazon, Gulfstream Aerospace and DHL, IAI is renowned as the world’s leading conversion house, with unmatched expertise across a broad range of aircraft models and operational requirements.

The Company is a global leader in widebody aircraft conversions and the first company worldwide to achieve an STC for the conversion of a B777-300ER from passenger to freighter configuration. In addition, IAI currently performs advanced conversions of the B767-200 and B767-300, as well as narrowbody conversions of the B737-700 and B737-800, offering a broad and unique product portfolio. This advantage enables IAI to provide flexible, tailored solutions to its customers worldwide.
IAI

IAI partners GECAS for B777-300(ER) P2F line

Israel Aerospace Industries (Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) has partnered GECAS for the launch of the first B777-300(ER) P2F-converted freighter line.

Under the "Big Twin" deal, IAI said GECAS had committed to 15 firm converted aircraft, with an option for 15 more. The Israeli firm will undertake the conversions itself with deliveries expected to start in 2022.

The conversion of initial aircraft is expected to take place in Tel Aviv Ben Gurion with additional conversion lines contemplated in other locations outside of Israel from 2023.

"At long last, the renowned capability of the B777-300(ER) comes to freighter operators," the lessor said.

"As the next generation of long-haul, large-capacity widebody freighters, The Big Twin will offer operators 25% more capacity than today’s smaller twin-engined long-haul freighters and it is anticipated that the Big Twin will achieve up to 21% lower fuel-burn per tonne than ageing 4-engine freighters. Entering service in 2022, the B777-300(ERSF) is expected to provide 'best in class' economics, superb range, outstanding flexible freighter capabilities — especially for express and e-commerce operators — and all with renowned B777 commonality, capability and reliability."

The Program will also see IAI enter into conversion agreements for the B777-300(ERSF) directly with airlines as well as other lessors around the world.