Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has successfully completed the first flight of a B777-300ER passenger aircraft after converting it to a freighter configuration for AerCap. IAI is currently in the final stages of the certification process for the "Big Twin" 777-300ERSF, with a firm order backlog of more than 60 aircraft expected to be delivered over the next five years.
"Big Twin", a triple-seven freighter as seen by IAI
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced the successful completion of the first test flight, as part of the final certification process of the B777-300ER passenger aircraft converted to a freighter configuration, known as "Big Twin". Upon completion of the certification process by the civil aviation authorities, The Big Twin will be the first twin-engine aircraft of its type, capable of carrying a payload of 100 tonnes. This programme adds to IAI's 45 years of aircraft conversion experience, including the B767-200/300, B747-400 and B737-700/800 freighter programmes, in service today.
Remote and IAI conversions
To meet the high demand for freighter aircraft, IAI is establishing a number of remote conversion facilities around the world, in addition to IAI's parent company facilities. Over the past year, IAI's Aviation Group has signed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of passenger to freighter conversion contracts with the world's largest airlines, including AerCap, Emirates Cargo, Challenge Group, EVA Air and CargoJet.