Elbit Systems joins Boeing freighter supply chain

Israeli technology company Elbit Systems will supply large main deck cargo doors for Boeing’s B777 and B777-8 freighters.

Elbit Systems’ subsidiary, Elbit Systems-Cyclone, has been awarded a contract for the supply of aero-structure assemblies to Boeing.

The contract includes production and supply of the largest Main Deck Cargo Door (MDCD) for the B777F and B777-8F.

Yoram Shmuely, general manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, said: “We are proud to be a tier one supplier for Boeing’s 777 Freighter. This selection attests to our past performance and the importance of being a part of Boeing’s Premier Bidder program.

“Our commercial aviation business units offer customers an extensive portfolio of products and solutions, for both the platform and the pilots and should benefit from the increased demand for cargo planes due to the growing use of e-commerce, especially following the COVID pandemic.”

Elbit Systems is one of the world’s major supplies of aircraft doors, while Cyclone offers a broad range of aerospace capabilities, including the design and production of composite structural assemblies as well as services such as maintenance, installations, upgrades, and integration of products to clients around the globe.

Boeing launched the new 777-8 freighter in January 2022.

Qatar Airways became the first customer for the new freighter with an order for 34 of the aircraft and options for a further 16.

The world’s freighter fleet is expected to double in size over the next 20 years, according to the latest Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF).