Etihad Engineering has signed a strategic partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI to provide passenger-to-freighter conversions on Boeing 777-300ERs, said local reports on Wednesday, August 25.
Etihad Engineering is expected to make use of its expertise and capabilities for the specialized Boeing 777-300ER conversion.
In the initial stage of the partnership, Etihad Engineering will reportedly facilitate two conversion lines to accommodate multiple aircraft conversions per year.
Etihad Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas was quoted by the local reports as saying: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The reports quoted Etihad Engineering Abdul Khaliq Saeed as saying: “Our commitment to the P2F program demonstrates our confidence in the ability of IAI to deliver long-term value enhancement of the B777-300ERs in the global fleet.”
Israel Aerospace Industries President & CEO Boaz Levy said: “I am confident that this agreement will lead to many more partnerships with local companies in the Gulf States, which will grow our business in the region.”