IAI pursues 767 conversion line in Addis Ababa through Ethiopian tie-up

Israel Aerospace Industries is further broadening its modification capabilities with a new freighter conversion line in Ethiopian for Boeing 767-300ERs. The line will be established at Addis Ababa, at the Ethiopian Airlines maintenance facility, under an agreement with the African carrier. Ethiopian Airlines CE Tewolde Gebremariam says the carrier will be the first customer, with three of its 767s undergoing conversion. IAI Aviation Group general manager Yossi Melamed says that the expansion demonstrates the continuing appeal of the twinjet to the cargo sector. The rise in e-commerce, he says, has supported the demand for 767s and all the company’s available slots for converting the type are “fully booked” through 2022. Melamed says the company “needs more lines”. IAI developed the 767-300BDSF freighter as a follow-up to the -200BDSF. It features a large cargo door, a 9g rigid barrier, reinforced floor, and changes to several systems – such as lighting, oxygen and environmental control – within the aircraft. It has 24 main-deck and 30 lower-deck cargo positions. Its new 767 conversion facility will complement its other cargo modification operations for the type at Tel Aviv and Mexico City.<br/>