Israel Aerospace Industries' first cargo-converted Airbus aircraft completes first flight

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully completed the first test flight of an Airbus A330-200 converted into a cargo aircraft, taking off and landing at Ben-Gurion Airport. This marks IAI's first conversion of an Airbus aircraft, expanding its previous focus on Boeing models. The flight is a key step in the certification process for the A330-300BDSF, designed for regional and medium-range cargo operations with a capacity of up to 30 containers and a 61-ton payload. IAI CEO Guy Bar Lev stated, "This milestone reflects the continued investment of Israel Aerospace Industries in advanced aviation technologies... while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market." The conversion program offers a cost-effective alternative to new cargo aircraft, extending the operational life of retired passenger planes.