IAI completes first flight of converted Airbus A330-300
Israel Aerospace Industries has completed the maiden flight of its Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion, moving the program closer to
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the first flight of its converted Airbus A330-300 freighter. The flight advances the certification campaign for the new A330-300BDSF cargo aircraft.
According to the company, the flight evaluated the aircraft and its systems under multiple operational conditions. It followed the completion of the primary structural work and extensive ground testing.
A competitive cargo platform
The A330-300BDSF is designed to carry up to 61 tons of payload across 30 containers. IAI positions it as a competitive option for regional and medium-haul cargo routes.
The aircraft includes features aimed at improving efficiency. An electrical cargo loading system and optimized cargo flow are part of the design. A forward-positioned main deck cargo door is intended to speed up loading and unloading, cutting turnaround times.
Guy Bar Lev, IAI President and CEO, said the milestone reflects continued investment in advanced aviation technologies. "The A330-300BDSF program further expands our broad conversion portfolio and reinforces IAI’s ability to provide long-term, flexible and reliable solutions to customers worldwide," he stated.
Designed for customer needs
Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President of IAI’s Aviation Group, suggested the program is designed around speed to service. He said IAI's approach supports accelerated operational readiness and earlier revenue realization for customers.
The company is use decades of engineering expertise to deliver what Berkovitz called “a highly capable and competitive solution designed to address the evolving needs of the global cargo market”.
Expanding a widebody conversion portfolio
The new program places IAI among a small group of companies capable of advanced passenger-to-freighter conversions for both Boeing and Airbus widebodies. It builds on the success of IAI's Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion.
IAI was the first company to achieve a Supplemental Type Certificate for converting a 777-300ER passenger jet into a freighter. That program remains the world's first and only conversion of its kind.
IAI's current conversion portfolio now includes the following aircraft models:
| Aircraft Model | Type |
|---|---|
| B777-300ERSF | Widebody |
| B767-200 | Widebody |
| B767-300 | Widebody |
| B737-700 | Narrowbody |
| B737-800 | Narrowbody |
| A330-300BDSF | Widebody |
The A330-300BDSF marks the first time an Airbus widebody has been added to IAI's conversion lineup.
Decades of experience and global scaling
IAI has been performing passenger-to-freighter conversions for more than 45 years. Its expertise spans both narrowbody and widebody platforms.
The company said it is expanding its global network of conversion facilities. This expansion aims to support airlines, leasing companies, and cargo operators looking to add freighter capacity, as global demand for efficient cargo aircraft grows.
