IAI converts Boeing 777 from passenger to cargo plane

Israel is the space of industries (IAI) announced today that after strict efforts over the past year, I have successfully completed the conversion of the B777-300ersf passenger plane into a cargo plane, and obtained a certificate of additional type in industry (CAAI) from both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI).

IAI says that, as one of the largest shipping aircraft in the world, the newly approved B777-300ersf will significantly increase charging, speed and global efficiency. This is a great outbreak of aviation and IAI is the first company in the world to turn a plane of this size.

Why transform a plane and not buy a new one?

Passenger aircraft fade over about 15 years of operation, even more than about 30 years, whether they are aircraft or electronic systems. Shipping aircraft can be purchased from the manufacturer, but the cost of the transfer is 20 % less than a new plane price, and in any case a somewhat new source appears. Thus, the estimated cost of the Boeing 777 converting is, for example, about 264-340 million dollars – depending on the specified model.

The journey happened before marriage 777 years ago. If the conversion is made when the plane is 15 years old, it can be used as another 50 -year charging plane.

Boaz Levy, IAI CEO, “Globes” tells that no one is interested in internal wear of tears in a cargo plane, because if the important cockpit takes out, the rest becomes a huge space. “We are one of the few in the world in the field of transfers,” Levi asserts. “Not everyone can divert a plane, due to the difficult engineering and operational elements.”

What types of aircraft turns by IAI? And why transform 777?

To date, IAI has transformed Boeing 737, 747, 767, and now 777. The largest volume of the plane greatly affects the absorptive capacity. While the 767 plane can carry 60 tons as a charging plane, it can carry 777 tons. Levi notes that IAI has been active in aircraft transfers for many years and is considered one of the world leaders.

“The renewal is not only the replacement of equipment in a plane with other equipment. It requires work on the high engineering structure, and its opening to include equipment. From comprehensive tests and we all pass it,” Levy says.

Who are the clients in the deal?

AERCAP is the first customer of the B777-300ersf goods-to-transfer program, while Kalitta will be the first operator. The shipping market operates in a manner that buys a company like ARCAP a plane, transports it to IAI to transfer, then distributes it to companies on a rental form. Companies such as ARCAP know how to balance the market for them within the framework of trade, and the knowledge required in the shipping market, which is affected by the increasing demand and decline factors, including even seasonal.

Why does the defense company like IAI participate in converting civilian aircraft?

“We are a space company,” explains Levy. “Most of our products, including in military divisions, come from the world of aviation. Once you know and have the engineering infrastructure to design a plane or even a flight platform, this is the basis for everything: for drones, missiles, and many other things. The sectors.”

How important is air transport?

About 80 % of the movement of global goods is carried out by the sea, but various turmoil, such as the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, caused most traffic from East Asia to Europe via good hope, and caused a high demand for the transfer of air charging. According to iATA data, there was 5.5 % growth in air freight transmission on an annual basis.

It was published by Globes, Israel Business News – En.globes.co.il – on September 1, 2025.

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