By Shula Rosen

(UWI) Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has made aviation history by becoming the first company to successfully convert a Boeing 777-300ER passenger jet into a freighter, a move that could transform global cargo transport.

The achievement, announced in Tel Aviv, comes with Supplemental Type Certificates from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI).

The aircraft, dubbed the 777-300ERSF, is designed to carry an impressive 100 tons of cargo.

Industry experts say its combination of size, efficiency, and reduced operating costs positions it as a potential game-changer in the freight market.

AerCap will be the launch customer, while Kalitta Air is set to become the first operator.

“This is a proud moment for IAI,” said Boaz Levy, the company’s president and CEO said in a press release. “Being the first in the world to convert a Boeing 777 into a freighter highlights our technological leadership. This project reflects our professionalism and determination, and it will help support the future of global e-commerce.”

Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President and head of IAI’s Aviation Group, described the certification as the result of years of effort. “This aircraft sets a new standard in air cargo with its unmatched payload capacity and efficiency. We believe it will quickly become the preferred choice for international carriers,” he said.

IAI has long been a leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions, working with clients such as Amazon and DHL. With demand for cargo aircraft growing rapidly, the company is expanding its global footprint of conversion facilities, further cementing Israel’s place at the forefront of aviation innovation.