Cargojet has contracted Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to carry out passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions on four 777-300ERs, with additional options.

The Canada-based cargo airline cited the growing global demand for cargo aircraft as the driving force behind the agreement.

Cargojet is a long-term IAI customer for aircraft conversions. Currently, IAI is converting the first 777-300ER aircraft for AerCap Cargo, which is also the co-investor on the programme, in a process which is expected to finish in 2022. It will be the first conversion of this model in the world.

IAI has recently signed a number of new agreements for cargo conversions, including converting 777-300ER aircraft for Emirates and establishing new conversion lines worldwide, including in Abu Dhabi and Ethiopia.

IAI’s president and CEO Boaz Levy commented: “We have been experiencing a rise in demand for converted cargo aircraft. The rise in e-commerce, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in cargo aircraft becoming a central player in the world of aviation. IAI has decades-long experience in aircraft cargo conversions, and combines advanced technologies with its expert production capabilities in aviation to provide the best solution on the market.

“Cargojet’s selection of IAI to carry out the 777-300ER aircraft conversions is a testament to the trust and customer satisfaction in IAI’s conversion process and in the final product, and we thank Cargojet for the trust they have placed in us.”

Cargojet’s senior vice president maintenance & engineering Paul Rinaldo said: “IAI is an important aviation partner and the 777-300ER conversions supports Cargojet’s international expansion and further strengthens the relationship between our two companies.”