Within the framework of the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Engineering announced today it had signed a strategic partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the conversion of passenger Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters. The 'Big Twin' program was launched two years ago in collaboration with GECAS and will be the largest capacity dual-engine freighter on the market.
The 'Big Twin'
The Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversions are part of the 777-300ERSF program launched by conversion specialist IAI and GECAS, the leasing arm of General Electric, in 2019. Thus far, the leasing giant has firmed up orders for 18 of the variant and still has options for another 12.
Etihad Engineering is the largest commercial aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider in the Middle East. According to the new agreement with IAI, it will initially facilitate two conversion lines that will accommodate multiple aircraft conversions per year. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said in a statement,
“The Boeing 777-300ERSF is not only extremely attractive to customers but a technological breakthrough, given that it’s the first in its size category to offer extensive cargo solutions. Not only do we see the demand, but we view it as a greener, more profitable, highly innovative solution for our airline customers and an excellent way to drive value for our business.”
First 777-300ERSF to Kalitta Air
The 777-300ERSF will provide operators with 25% more capacity than today's smaller twin-engined freighters. GECAS and IAI also anticipate that it will achieve up to 21% lower fuel burn per tonne compared to aging quadjets. And when looking at the fleet of an airline such as the type's launch customer, that could make for substantial economic and environmental savings.
The launch customer for the largest ever twin-engine freighter was announced in October last year and is Queen of the Skies cargo specialist Kalitta Air. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 24 Boeing 747-400s, nine Boeing 767s, and five Boeing 777Fs. According to GECAS, the first converted 777-300ERSF will enter service in 2023.
Shifting neighborhood relations
A couple of years back, when the project was launched, a collaboration of this kind between an Israeli conversion specialist and a UAE MRO provider would have been unthinkable. However, this changed with the Abraham Accords signed in August 2020 and the first official normalization of relations between Israel and one of its Middle Eastern neighbors in close to 25 years. Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, said,
"The Abraham Accords have given IAI the opportunity to expand its global activity to the Gulf region. IAI is active in over 100 countries across the world. Establishing the conversion site in partnership with Etihad Engineering is a testament to IAI’s strong ties with the UAE and strengthens its foothold in the region. I am confident that this agreement will lead to many more partnerships with local companies in the Gulf States."