Serbian subsidiary of Avia Prime Group, Jat Tehnika, has announced it has completed the first Boeing 767-300 freighter conversion in Europe for global leader in cargo aviation, Challenge Group.

In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, the converted aircraft (with registration number 9H-CAC) took off on August 11 from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport towards the Maltese capital, Valletta, after being handed over to Challenge Group.

Piotr Kaczor, chief executive of Avia Prime Group and Jat Tehnika, said: “We are excited because the bold vision that emerged six years ago has become a reality today.

“We have been preparing for this for a long time, going through the most demanding aviation authority checks, and we are proud of the new technology and know-how that have been applied for the first time in Belgrade.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Avia Prime Group and European aviation, which will strengthen our position as the main European supplier for the conversion of Boeing and Airbus widebody aircraft.”

Yossi Shoukroun, Challenge Group chief executive, said: “Today marks a crucial milestone in our history as we welcome a new addition to our fleet – the Boeing 767 converted freighter.

“This delivery signifies more than just the introduction of a new aircraft type. It symbolises the commencement of our ambitious fleet expansion plan, which aims to triple our fleet by the year 2026 by incorporating three different aircraft types into our fleet, including the efficient Boeing 777 aircraft in the near future.”