Page 25 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Online Magazine

AIRCRAFT CONVERSION

providing net usable volume of 11,464 ft Relying on decades of expertise in transport of time-sensitive commodities.
on the main deck and additional 4,150 ft the conversion of wide-body aircraft Freighters consistently account for
on the lower decks. The 767-300ER would modifications, and the high level of roughly 60 percent of global air cargo
provide 11,884 ft on the main deck and engineering skills available throughout traffic; the remaining capacity is ‘Belly
3,826 ft below deck. Typical operating IAI, Bedek has obtained and supports freight‘, provided by airlines’ lower holds
range of the 767-300 with 23 ULD positions an independent Supplemental Type carry air cargo.
is 2,200 nm, while the ER would extend Certificates (STC) from the Federal Aviation The large cargo segment (over 80
the range to 3,100 nm, carrying up to 24 Authorities International Aviation Safety tons cargo capacity), represented by long
ULDs. Other modifications include wiring Assessments (IASA) for its 747-200, -400, haul, high utilization aircraft is the most
changes, air conditioning, avionics and 767-200 and -300 conversions, and is important for aircraft manufacturers such
smoke detection systems modifications. currently processing STC for a different as Boeing and Airbus.
Since developing and certifying such configuration of the 767-300 conversion The medium size segment carrying
a conversion requires about two years, with FAA and IASA. 40-80 tons is often serving the regional
Bedek is carefully assessing the feasibility markets. This segment represents the
and market potential of every type of Air Cargo: largest potential for aircraft upgrading;
aircraft considered for conversion. Different Platforms for Boeing estimates the demand for such
IAI Bedek has entered the field of Specific Segments converted aircraft at 390; Airbus forecasts
aircraft conversion for air cargo following even higher demand for 824 converted
a number of successful conversions While the air cargo market has steadily medium weight aircraft over the next two
performed for military applications. Since grown by about 5 percent annually since decades, particularly in North America.
1985 IAI Bedek has performed over 200 1982, and the optimistic forecast projected Attractive as it is, medium weight
passenger to cargo aircraft conversions, through 2032, the market has declined air cargo is not acting in a vacuum. This
including B737, MD-11, B757, B747-200 since 2008. According to separate studies segment is facing intensive competition
and -400, B767-200 and -300. published by Boeing and Airbus, the recent from less costly alternative transportation
Beyond its proven expertise in heavy years have been tough since the turmoil services: terrestrial, maritime or airline-
aircraft modifications, IAI Bedek is also caused by the global financial crisis. carried cargo. Hence, regional operators
positioned as one of the world’s largest Despite this challenging environment require the least costly aircraft, offering
independent providers of Repair and air cargo remains a critical commodity the highest level of flexibility and cost
Overhaul (MRO) services for airline and powering global trade and providing the effectiveness, particularly in low utilization
cargo operators. lifeline for industries that require the operations.

Each aircraft entering the
program will go through a
four months process that
includes the opening and
installation of the cargo door
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