Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the door cutting phase in its Airbus A330-300BDSF freighter conversion programme.
The A330-300BDSF will optimise cargo volume and loading efficiency, as well as improve cargo operation turnaround times (TAT), due to the location of its unique main cargo door, said IAI.
Additionally, the platform offers multiple Powered Cargo Loading System (PCLS) configurations which maximise flexibility and efficiency during cargo operations.
Boaz Levy, president and chief executive of IAI, said: "Completing the door cutting phase in our Airbus A330-300BDSF conversion program marks a pivotal milestone in IAI’s mission to deliver next-generation freighter solutions to the global market.
"This achievement reflects our engineering excellence and reinforces IAI’s position as a world leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions.”
Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, added: "Cutting the freighter door is a critical and major milestone in the STC development process and significantly progresses the STC development program.
"The Airbus A330-300BDSF will provide cargo operators with a highly competitive aircraft that combines increased capacity, operational efficiency and advanced design to meet the evolving demands of modern air freight.”
IAI began work on the first Airbus A330-300 passenger to freighter conversion in September last year.
Aircraft leasing firm Avolon became the launch customer for IAI's A330-300 programme after signing a deal for 30 of the conversions in 2021.
IAI specialises in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions for a wide range of aircraft, including the Boeing 737, 747, 767, 777 and Airbus A330 platforms.
