Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has successfully completed the maiden flight of its Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion, marking a significant milestone in the certification campaign for its A330-300BDSF programme.
The first flight comes after IAI’s Aviation Group completed the aircraft’s primary structural modification phase, followed by extensive ground testing. During the flight, the aircraft and its systems were assessed across multiple operational conditions as part of the ongoing certification process.
The successful test flight moves IAI closer to certification and commercial entry into service for the A330-300BDSF, while further expanding the company’s passenger-to-freighter conversion capabilities.
Guy Bar Lev, IAI President and CEO, said the milestone reflects the company’s continued investment in advanced aviation technologies, as well as its industrial and engineering capabilities.
“This milestone reflects IAI’s continued investment in advanced aviation technologies and industrial and engineering capabilities, while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market.”
According to Bar Lev, the A330-300BDSF programme expands IAI’s existing conversion portfolio and reinforces its ability to offer long-term, flexible and reliable solutions to customers worldwide.
Designed for regional and medium-haul cargo operations, the A330-300BDSF can accommodate up to 30 containers and has a maximum payload of 61 tonnes. The freighter features an electric cargo loading system and an optimised cargo flow designed to improve handling efficiency.
The aircraft’s main-deck cargo door is positioned toward the front of the aircraft. This configuration is intended to facilitate faster loading and unloading while helping operators reduce turnaround times.
Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, described the maiden flight as another important step in the company’s efforts to expand its widebody conversion capabilities and move the A330-300BDSF programme toward certification and commercial service.
“Leveraging decades of engineering expertise and operational experience, we are delivering a highly capable and competitive solution designed to address the evolving needs of the global cargo market.”
Berkovitz added that IAI’s approach is focused on customers’ need for a rapid entry into service, supporting accelerated operational readiness and earlier revenue realisation.
The A330-300BDSF programme also strengthens IAI’s position as one of the few companies worldwide with established passenger-to-freighter conversion capabilities covering both Boeing and Airbus platforms, including widebody aircraft.
The programme builds on IAI’s experience with the Boeing 777-300ERSF, which the company describes as the world’s first and only passenger-to-freighter conversion programme for that aircraft type. With the A330-300BDSF, IAI is adding another widebody platform to its expanding conversion portfolio as demand for efficient freighter capacity continues to evolve.
IAI is also expanding its global network of conversion facilities to serve airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators around the world.
With more than 45 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, IAI has developed expertise covering both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The company was the first to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for converting a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into a freighter.
IAI currently carries out conversions on the Boeing 777-300ERSF, 767-200, 767-300, 737-700 and 737-800 platforms, adding the A330-300BDSF programme to its growing range of freighter conversion solutions.
