Israel Aerospace Industries Plans Boeing 777-300ER Cargo Conversion Facility in Arizona

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is set to launch a Boeing 777-300ER passenger to cargo conversion facility in Arizona, USA, starting next year. The company has entered into a 15-year partnership agreement with Ascent Aviation Services, designating Ascent’s Marana facilities to carry out necessary modifications on the twinjet aircraft type.

The conversion project will include the establishment of two dedicated 777-300ER conversion lines, with Ascent constructing two spacious widebody hangars. Pre-construction activities for the hangars are already underway.

IAI has been actively advancing its ‘Big Twin’ conversion initiative for this aircraft, officially naming the freighter variant as the 777-300ERSF. The inaugural flight of the 777-300ERSF took place from Tel Aviv in March of this year.

IAI expects to obtain certification for the freighter variant from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Israeli civil aviation regulatory authorities this year, with the certification process in its final stages. The 777-300ERSF, equipped with General Electric GE90 engines, will be capable of transporting payloads weighing up to 100 metric tons.

Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, highlights the company’s trust in Ascent’s ability to adhere to the schedule and conduct the initial conversion next year, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the partnership between IAI and various US companies.

David Querio, CEO of Ascent, anticipates that the partnership will bring lasting prosperity to the aviation community in the Tucson region, expanding Ascent’s capacity to accommodate widebody aircraft and creating numerous skilled job opportunities. This agreement aligns with Ascent’s mission to become a preferred world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider for clients.

The move by IAI underscores the importance of establishing remote passenger-to-freighter conversion sites worldwide in anticipation of the increasing demand for long-haul-capable widebody freighter aircraft.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, USA Aviation News