ETIHAD Engineering, the commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) arm of Etihad Airways, has entered into a landmark agreement with aircraft engineering specialist Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Aviation Group, to launch a B777-300ER passenger-to-freighter (p2f) conversions project, writes Thelma Etim.
The collaboration follows the 2019 launch of the B777-300ERSF ‘Big Twin’ p2f programme by IAI and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), thereby creating the largest ever twin-engine long-haul freighter.
In the initial stage of this latest partnership project, Etihad Engineering will open two conversion lines capable of accommodating multiple conversions per year, a statement reveals. Etihad will capitalise on IAI and GECAS’s expertise in the B777-300ERSF project, with industry forecasts showing an increase in demand for such long-haul wide-body freighter aircraft lift, it notes.
Tony Douglas, group chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group, insists that the B777-300ERSF is not only extremely attractive to customers but is also a technological breakthrough given that it is the first in its size category to offer extensive cargo solutions. “Not only do we see the demand, but we view it as a greener, more profitable, highly innovative solution for our airline customers, and an excellent way to drive value for our business,” he says.
Abdul Khaliq Saeed, chief executive at Etihad Engineering, stresses that the partnership with IAI “maximises the potential of our highly skilled workforce” and reinforces Etihad Engineering’s position as a centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic vision 2030. “Our commitment to the p2f programme demonstrates our confidence in the ability of IAI to deliver long-term value enhancement of the B777-300ER’s in the global fleet,” he asserts.
Boaz Levy, president and chief executive of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Aviation Group, notes that IAI – which is already active in more than 100 countries across the world – now has an opportunity to expand its global activity to the Arabian Gulf region. “Establishing the conversion site in partnership with Etihad Engineering is a testament to IAI’s strong ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and strengthens its foothold in the region. I am confident that this agreement will lead to many more partnerships with local companies in the Gulf States, which will grow our business in the region,” he states.
Source: aircargoeye.com