Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced the successful maiden flight of its Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion, marking an important milestone in the certification campaign for the company’s A330-300BDSF programme.
The flight was conducted following the completion of the aircraft’s primary structural phase and an extensive programme of ground testing carried out by IAI’s Aviation Group. During the maiden flight, the aircraft and its systems were assessed under multiple operational conditions as part of the ongoing certification process.
IAI President and CEO Guy Bar Lev said the achievement reflects the company’s continued investment in advanced aviation technologies, as well as its engineering and industrial capabilities. He added that the A330-300BDSF programme further strengthens IAI’s position in the global air cargo market while expanding its widebody passenger-to-freighter conversion portfolio.
Designed specifically for regional and medium-haul cargo operations, the A330-300BDSF is intended to provide operators with a competitive freighter solution. The aircraft can accommodate up to 30 containers and offers a payload capacity of up to 61 tonnes.
Its configuration also incorporates an electrical cargo loading system and an optimised cargo flow. The main deck cargo door is positioned forward, allowing faster loading and unloading while helping operators improve overall efficiency and reduce aircraft turnaround times.
Guy Bar Lev, IAI President and CEO: “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. 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.”
The first flight also represents a further expansion of IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities. Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, described the achievement as another important step toward certification and commercial service for the A330-300BDSF.
He said the programme draws on decades of engineering expertise and operational experience, with the aircraft designed to meet the changing requirements of the global cargo market. According to Berkovitz, IAI’s approach is focused on customers seeking a rapid entry into service, supporting accelerated operational readiness and earlier revenue realisation.
The A330-300BDSF programme adds to IAI’s position as one of the few companies worldwide with established passenger-to-freighter conversion capabilities across both Boeing and Airbus platforms, including complex widebody aircraft.
The programme builds on the company’s experience with the Boeing 777-300ERSF, described by IAI as the world’s first and only Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversion programme. The A330-300BDSF therefore represents another significant step in the continued expansion of IAI’s widebody conversion portfolio.
As demand for efficient cargo aircraft continues to evolve, IAI is also expanding its global network of conversion facilities to support airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators around the world.
IAI has more than 45 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions and has established expertise across both narrowbody and widebody platforms. The company was the first worldwide to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for converting a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into a freighter configuration.
Today, IAI carries out advanced conversions for the B777-300ERSF, B767-200, B767-300, B737-700 and B737-800 platforms, while the A330-300BDSF programme adds another Airbus widebody aircraft to its growing conversion portfolio.
