Major aerospace and aviation manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has cut a hole in the fuselage of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to install a cargo door. As a part of the freighter conversion process, IAI removed a seven-meter long third of the plane’s circumference part of the aircraft’s rear cabin to install a door.
Cutting the cargo opening in the plane took place shortly after the beginning stages of the aircraft being converted from a passenger plane to a freighter. IAI says that cutting a large opening in the aircraft’s hull is a testament to its decades-long engineering capabilities. IAI says that the entire process should take around 130 days.
What is the process of converting a passenger plane into a freighter?
- Modifying the structure of the aircraft
- The installation of a new cargo door
- Replacing and reinforcing the cabin floor
- Installing reinforcements in the cargo door area
- Adapting the electric network and other systems to enable a safe and convenient operation
- Receiving certification for the converted aircraft from the Civilian Aviation Authority and the FAA
When speaking about the passenger plane to freighter conversion, Executive VP and General Manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, Yossi Melamed, said:
“Completing the B777-300ER conversion on time and according to the planned schedule is at the top of the Aviation Group’s priorities. Today, we mark an exciting step in the prototype’s conversion. “Cutting the aircraft’s haul for the new cargo door is a prime example, reflective of the cargo conversions at IAI, which significantly advances our development process for this conversion. This step will allow us, in the near future and with increased confidence, to establish more conversion lines all over the world in order to provide services to the dozens of existing orders and to many more expected orders to come.”
There has been a surge in demand for cargo aircraft
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to transport personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and vaccines, there has been an increase in demand for cargo planes. People shopping from home on Amazon and other e-commerce outlets during the pandemic also increased demand. IAI is a world leader in aircraft conversions and has worked with global transport giants Amazon, DHL, and UPS.
IAI’s Aviation Group claims to be the home of aviation in Israel, with a wealth of experience that spans 70 years. Over this time, it has accumulated knowledge and developed groundbreaking technologies.
About Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Owned entirely by the Government of Israel, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a significant aviation manufacturer that produces aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. Employing around 15,000 people, IAI is based in Lod, not far from the Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv.
Despite the companies, main focus being engineering, aviation, and high-tech electronics is also builds military systems for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and friendly foreign governments.
What do you think about passenger planes to cargo conversions? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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