Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering has signed a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek division to convert nine Boeing 737-400s into freighters at its facilities.

This agreement allows them to use the IAI supplemental type certificate for the conversion, which will be done in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, between 2010 and 2011. GAMECO will also provide painting, aircraft maintenance and other required services. Re-delivery of the first aircraft is expected to IAI's customer in September.

"We see the aircraft conversion business as a significant part of the future business growth for GAMECO and this project is a large part of that strategy," says the maintenance, repair and overhaul firm's general manager Bill Norman.

Zvi Kaholi, director, Foreign Conversion Sites for IAI-Bedek, says: "We see continued growth in the Asia-Pacific region for conversions, and partnering with GAMECO for conversions and after-sales support is a significant part of our focus on serving this important market."

Source: Flight Daily News