LONDON – Israeli-based Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) won a contract to convert 4 passenger Boeing 777-300ERs for Cargojet Canada.

The project taken by IAI is to convert 4 Boeing 777-300ER in passenger configuration to freight version or also known as P2F conversion.

This is a move by Cargojet Canada to respond to the increase in global demand of freight demand. Continuously we are witnessing a growth in demand for P2F conversions.

It has been a busy quarter for IAI indeed as the company usually converts used 777-300ERs namely from Emirates Airlines, and has established conversion ‘lines’ at Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi Airports respectively.

The latest deal with the Canadian freight company further strengthened IAI’s portfolio.

IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy stated:

“We have been experiencing a rise in demand for converted cargo aircraft. The rise in e-commerce, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in cargo aircraft becoming a central player in the world of aviation.”

“IAI has decades-long experience in aircraft cargo conversions and combines advanced technologies with its expert production capabilities in aviation to provide the best solution on the market.”

“Cargojet’s selection of IAI to carry out the B777-300ER aircraft conversions is a testament to the trust and customer satisfaction in IAI’s conversion process and in the final product, and we thank Cargojet for the trust they have placed in us.”

On the other hand, Cargo Jet also expresses satisfaction and how this P2F is increasingly becoming more popular than ever before. Cargojet’s Senior Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering, Paul Rinaldo, said:

“IAI is an important aviation partner and the B777-300ER conversions support Cargojet’s international expansion and further strengthen the relationship between our two companies.”

Cargojet is one of Canada’s leading cargo airliners of time-sensitive and precious premium air cargo services to all major destinations throughout North America.

The airline also provides dedicated ACMI and International Charter services and carries over 25,000,000 pounds of cargo weekly.

Its route network is made possible by a fleet of 31 aircraft, and is a loyal customer of IAI, especially for conversions and aircraft refurbishment.

The conversion of the current B777-300ER aircraft by IAI is expected to be completed in 2022, and this is the first conversion of this model in the world.

IAI is one of Israel’s most state-of-the-art companies in the country and also houses the country’s brightest minds.

The company, being specialized in aviation, covers all aspects of aviation in the country, including maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO),  business jets, aircraft conversions, aircraft refurbishment and upgrading, general aviation, parking spaces, and more.

If this P2F conversion trend is continuing upwards, will this pose a risk to traditional freighter models, like the new A350F and the 777-8F? Airlines are more prone to defecting to opting for conversions rather than eyeing brand new freighters.

In the Canadian context, will IAI be going to establish a new base in Canada? Like it did in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa. One could see an IAI-supported P2F facility in Canada soon, should the airline order more such aircraft.