Page 18 - AAA SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 Online Magazine

as it provides a smaller investment than pur- Engineering start initial discussions on the new
chasing new aircraft and is a sounder solution facility?
to the market growth. Therefore, I believe cargo
conversions will have a respectable place close We began discussions immediately following the signing of the
to OEM production freighters and will be an Abraham Accords, which opened a door to the Gulf market and
asset to the industry as market demand grows. gave us an opportunity to reach new partners like Etihad.

Can you provide an update on the How much potential do you see in the Middle Eastern
B777 freighter conversion program? market, and not just in the P2F conversion arena?
What has the market response been Is the company currently in discussions with any
like for the project? other company in the Gulf region for a potential

partnership?
In partnership with GECAS, IAI is working on
the first B777-300ER conversion in the world
and has begun the first structural modification We consider the MRO market in the Middle East to have very high
of the aircraft in Israel. There is rising demand in potential for partnership with IAI, due to our unique and leading
cargo configuration for this model globally, and conversion capabilities. As a general strategy, IAI is always looking
as such, we are working on establishing new for potential new partnerships, and are in dialog with a number of
conversion lines for the B777-300. We have airlines.
recently announced our partnership with Etihad
Engineering in Abu Dhabi to convert this model Earlier this year, the company announced plans to
and look forward to expanding the project to open a new B777 freighter conversion line at Incheon
other locations around the world. We expect International Airport in South Korea. You also have
to begin the first conversion in April 2023 at two conversion sites for Boeing 737 narrow-bodies
our Boeing 777-300ER conversion center in in China. With the Asia Pacific region being one of
Abu Dhabi.
the strongest drivers of air cargo demand, do you
plan to open more conversion facilities in the region?
How long after the signing of the

Abraham Accords did IAI and Etihad IAI has vast experience, spanning over forty years, in adjusting

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