A dispute between passenger-to-freighter conversion specialist Bedek and Boeing over fees charged by the airframer may affect plans by the Israeli company to offer converted Boeing 767s as multi-mission aircraft.

Bedek, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), sees "big" commercial potential in converting 767s to air refuelling or multi-mission aircraft.

The price of finished aircraft is affected by the "Boeing fee", which the company charges for every airframe converted from passenger to cargo configuration.

The Boeing fee ranges from $50,000 to $250,000, affecting the total deal price.

The fee is charged to allow the owner of the converted aircraft access to all its technical documentation and includes a royalty fee, Boeing said.

Sources said lawyers representing both parties have been working on a solution.

IAI declined to comment.

Source: Flight International