Israel Aerospace Industries says it its on track to deliver its first Boeing 767-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversion from its Bedek division by the end of the year to Portugal-based charter operator EuroAtlantic Airways.

The first converted 767-300BDSF (Bedek special freighter) configuration, which includes a port-side front cargo door, completed its first flight on 27 October, and is now in flight testing as part of the supplemental type certificate programme, says IAI.

Bedek officials say they have "three or four" orders for the 767-300ER conversion, which will incorporate the company's first 9g rigid barrier separating the cockpit from the cargo bay.

While the initial aircraft has taken close to one year to complete, Bedek says future conversions are expected to take 100 days.

Bedek developed the STC for Dublin-based M&B Conversions, a joint venture between Japan's Mitsui cargo company and IAI. The aircraft will be EuroAtlantic's first cargo aircraft.

Bedek 767-300
 © IAI

Source: Flight International