IAI flies first converted A330-300 freighter
Israel Aerospace Industries has flown the maiden flight of its Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion, beginning certification flight testing.
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Israel Aerospace Industries has flown its converted A330-300 freighter for the first time, starting airborne tests for the aircraft's certification campaign. The A330-300BDSF adds an Airbus model to IAI's existing Boeing freighter conversion programmes.
The converted twinjet will carry up to 61 tonnes of payload and up to 30 containers. It has a forward main-deck cargo door and an electrical freight-loading system.
The initial airframe, MSN1574, is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines and was formerly operated by Spanish carrier Air Europa. IAI said the aircraft underwent system evaluation across multiple operational conditions during the flight.
"Successful completion of the first flight marks another important step in expanding IAI's widebody conversion capabilities," said Yaacov Berkovitz, general manager of IAI's aviation group. The approach is designed around customer needs for quick entry into service and earlier revenue realisation, he added.
IAI already offers conversion programmes for the Boeing 777-300ER, 767-200, 767-300, 737-700, and 737-800.
Sources
- flightglobal.comIAI’s initial converted A330-300 freighter carries out maiden flight