Israel Aerospace Industries has completed the primary structural phase on its first Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion. The aircraft has been removed from jacks and now moves to ground and flight testing, with a first flight expected in coming weeks and certification targeted by year-end.
Work on the prototype began in September 2024, with Avolon as the launch customer leasing 30 A330-300s for conversion through 2028. IAI’s program, designated A330-300BDSF, offers a cargo volume of about 540 cubic meters and 27 main-deck pallet positions, slightly exceeding Elbe Flugzeugwerke’s competing A330 P2F, which provides 526 cubic meters and 26 pallets.
EFW, backed by Airbus, holds the only current global STC after EASA certification in 2017 and has delivered 49 conversions by late 2024 to operators including DHL Express and Air China Cargo. IAI’s Israeli CAA approval leads its process, with EASA and FAA validation pending for late 2025. The company plans global facilities to scale production amid demand for around 600 additional widebody freighters.
IAI converts both Boeing and Airbus widebodies, positioning it against rivals like ST Engineering in a market facing supply chain issues and competition from new freighters such as the Airbus A350F.