First Flight for IAI A330-300 P2F Conversion |

IAI has completed the first flight of its Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion program. The first Airbus A330-300BDSF, with the BDSF standing for Bedek Special Freighter, adds to IAI's portfolio of Boeing conversions in its passenger-to-freighter conversion business. An Airbus A330-300BDSF can accommodate up to 30 standard LD-3 containers on the main deck. The Maiden Flight The first flight occurred on Friday, September 4th from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, with a flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The aircraft is expected to receive its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) prior to year-end. [caption id="attachment_197176" align="aligncenter" width="640"] image: Israel Aerospace Industries[/caption] The program is now moving to the flight test phase to validate the modifications and collect data required for certification. Modifications being tested include the main deck's large cargo door, a reinforced floor structure, the installation of cargo-handling systems, and the removal of passenger configuration no longer required. Why this is important The first flight is important as the program transitions from engineering to the testing and certification phase, adding to IAI's well-known portfolio of passenger-to-freighter conversions. Adding an Airbus product to the portfolio significantly expands IAI’s freighter conversion business. The IAI program will compete with Airbus. Airbus has an existing joint venture, the A330 conversion program, with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), with ST Engineering as a partner. IAI, as an experienced and well-respected converter, will provide strong competition in the P2F conversion market. The A330-300 fleet is approaching the ideal age for P2F conversions, and Avolon as a partner can provide financing and leasing for IAI conversion customers. This appears to be a strong potential market for IAI, enabling it to extend its market leadership in P2F conversions for Boeing aircraft to Airbus operators. The Bottom Line IAI has extensive experience in the P2F conversion market and is closing in on adding a competitor to Airbus A330-300 conversions. We expect IAI to continue to be successful in the P2F market, even going head-to-head with an Airbus joint venture. The Airbus P2F market will soon be much more competitive.

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