LONDON – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has received fruitful news as they have been rewarded by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) with the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its B737-800SF passenger-to-freighter conversions (P2F).
This is great news for IAI as demand for passenger-to-freighter conversions is increasing.
With IAI gaining STC approval from EASA, this will inevitably open sales opportunities for its B737BDSF cargo conversion to all European AOC (Air Operators Certificate) or airlines/operators.
This is will present large opportunities for IAI to venture deeper into the European market, as Europe has one of the largest demands for P2F aircraft, especially for narrow bodies.
IAI will also present alternative channels for European operators to approach P2F contracts as there are numerous cargo conversions and most of them are busy as demand for conversions surges.
In fact, IAI has already delivered its first two converted aircraft following the STC status from EASA to a customer in Spain. Moreover, an additional Boeing 737 is currently under conversion soon to be welcomed by a European carrier.
Significantly, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) have already approved the conversions of Boeing 737s by IAI, with the latest being EASA.
Following numerous certifications from regulators worldwide, IAI expanded its first cargo conversion location in Europe, joining hands with its partner in Atitech in Naples, Italy, for the B737-700/800 aircraft.
Apart from Europe, IAI has expanded to Asia and Africa. In Asia, South Korea and Abu Dhabi have been happed to undergo 777-300 conversions whilst in Ethiopia, its centre is certified to modify B767-300s.
IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy said: “Receiving the EASA STC for the B737-800 will allow us to provide a solution to the increased market demand, in Europe and worldwide, for the freighter aircraft of this model.”
“As the global leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions, IAI has a number of conversion sites globally, and will now be able to provide potential customers with increased access to our world-class conversions.”
EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, Shmuel Kuzi, said: “We are excited to expand our B737-800BDSF conversions to Europe and bring the most cost-effective solution to the rising demand for conversions of this aircraft.”
“Receiving the EASA STC is a major milestone for IAI and for the aviation industry, especially for the European market. We will continue expanding our operations and conversions of other aircraft models to provide the best solution to customers worldwide.”
About IAI
IAI’s Aviation Group houses one of Israel’s best talents in Aerospace Engineering.
They offer services, such as maintenance repair & overhaul (MRO), business jets, converting passengers to freighters, hangars and aviation arrays, upgrading aircraft of both commercial, military and cargo and much more.
