IAI-converted Airbus A330 cargo aircraft takes off for the first time in Israel
Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully completed the first flight of an Airbus A330 converted into a cargo aircraft. On Friday morning, the aircraft took off and landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. The flight is part of the aircraft’s certification process and brings it closer to delivery to customers and the start of operations, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Tests after conversion
The flight took place after the completion of the main stage of the aircraft’s structural modification and a series of ground tests. During them, the aircraft and its systems were checked under various operating conditions.
The A330-300BDSF program is designed for regional and medium-haul cargo transportation. Such an aircraft can carry up to 30 cargo containers with a payload of up to 61 tonnes. It is equipped with an electric loading system, while the location of the cargo door at the front of the main deck is intended to speed up loading and unloading.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
IAI’s first Airbus program
Previously, IAI converted only Boeing aircraft—for cargo transportation, aerial refueling and VIP flights. In particular, the company modified the Wing of Zion aircraft, which is used by Israel’s prime minister and president. The A330 project became IAI’s first Airbus conversion after receiving permission from the European manufacturer.
The company is also developing the Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program, which already has dozens of orders. According to the publication, Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft no longer meet airlines’ fuel-consumption standards after about 20 years of service as passenger aircraft, so they are removed from fleets and become available for conversion. The cost of a converted cargo aircraft, including the purchase of the base aircraft, amounts to tens of millions of dollars, while a new cargo aircraft of the same model costs more than $250 million.
