IAI to begin 777-300ER conversions in Seoul in 2024

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will set up a conversion site for its 777-300ERSF program in Seoul as part of a new agreement with Sharp Technics K and Incheon International Airport. Yossi Melamed, VP and general manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, told Cargo Facts that Sharp Technics K will build a new facility housing two lines each capable of converting three 777s per year. Redeliveries from IAI’s first large widebody conversion line outside Tel Aviv (TLV), where the conformity aircraft will be converted, will commence in 2024. Melamed said IAI is also looking at potentially converting the smaller 777-200LR — on which the production 777F is based — despite the fact that there are only around sixty frames in existence. “It depends on the demand, but it would not be too complicated once we have the 777-300ERSF,” he said. [caption id="attachment_415860" align="alignright" width="560"] IAI expects to induct the prototype 777-300ER for conversion in June. (Photo/IAI)[/caption] With IAI’s own TLV conversion facility and the Mexicana MRO Services facility in Mexico City (MEX) “fully loaded” with 767-300BDSF conversions, the company had intended to establish additional 777-300ERSF lines outside Israel even during the initial development of the conversion program. “We knew we needed to be spread across the world to be prepared,” said Melamed. “Seoul is actually just one of several sites I’m looking at, and hopefully we’ll sign more soon.” The selection of South Korea does not appear to have been based on prospects with the country’s two major cargo operators; to date, neither Korean Air nor Asiana Airlines have expressed an interest in the 777-300ERSF, with Asiana telling Cargo Facts that it is considering freighter conversions at this time. The two airlines are also in the process of merging. In the Asia-Pacific market more broadly, demand for widebody freighters outstrips the available options. IAI said it expects the freighter to be popular in the region, though its carriers have yet to place firm orders for the conversion. Meanwhile, IAI expects to induct the prototype aircraft (32789, ex-Emirates) at TLV in June 2021. Unit 32789 first arrived at TLV in June 2020, then went to San Bernardino (SBD) for tests in August until recently returning to TLV in February. GECAS, which is a partner of the 777-300ERSF program , expects to place the aircraft on lease to Kalitta Air in 2023 . Sharp Technics K is a joint venture between aviation service company Sharp Aviation K and low-cost carrier t’way Air. With TLV humming with around six 767 conversion lines and a single 777-300ER line, IAI is looking to other sites for its 737NG and 767 conversions as well. Ethiopian Airlines is looking to convert two 767-300ERs at its own facility in Addis Ababa (ADD). IAI told Cargo Facts it will also stop performing touch labor for its 737NG conversions at TLV and will complement existing 737NG lines at MEX and at the Haite facility in Tianjin (TSN) with a new conversion line at Lithuania-based Aviatic MRO . Cargo Facts EMEA, taking place June 2-3 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the EMEA region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsemea.com .

IAI to begin 777-300ER conversions in Seoul in 2024

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