Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certificate from both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) for its Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion.
Gaining the STC for the 777-300ERSF is the last major hurdle for IAI, whose 777-300 conversion programme will be first to market.
The company had been hoping to receive approval from the CAAI by the end of 2022 and the US FAA soon after but faced several delays.
Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, said: "After years of dedicated effort, especially during the past year, we are excited to receive the STC certificate for the P2F conversion of Boeing 777 aircraft from both the FAA and CAAI – a breakthrough that reflects our commitment to innovation, engineering excellence and global leadership in aircraft conversions.
"This milestone sets a new standard in air cargo, delivering a unique combination of high payload capacity, volume and operational efficiency."
AerCap is the launch customer for IAI's 777-300ERSF conversion programme, while US cargo airline, Kalitta Air will serve as the launch operator.
IAI first started structural modification work on the freighter conversion in 2021 and the first flight for the converted aircraft took place in March 2023.
Boaz Levy, president and chief executive of IAI, said: "IAI is a global leader in passenger-to freighter aircraft conversions, standing at the forefront of aeronautical technology and building on its extensive capabilities as Israel's largest aerospace company.
"The company takes great pride in being the first in the world to convert a Boeing 777 into a freighter. Receiving certification from aviation authorities highlights IAI's technological, engineering and operational expertise and positions the company as a pioneer in this field.
"This remarkable capability is the result of the company's professionalism and determination, paving the way for a broad expansion of our business activities with leading customers worldwide, and strengthening global e-commerce through advanced freighter aircraft solutions."
The 777-300ERSF, also known as ‘The Big Twin’, has a payload of 100 tons. Rival conversion company, Mammoth Freighters is expected to complete its first 777-300ERMF freighter conversion by the end of this year.
