The Bedek division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is looking to move into the market to convert Boeing twinjets to freighters, and wants to work with the US manufacturer.
Boeing is known to be looking at the setting up of an after-market 767 freighter-conversion line alongside that of the 747 at its plant in Wichita, Kansas.
Bedek competes directly with Boeing in the 747 conversion market, and says that it wants to take on types such as the narrowbodied Boeing 757 and widebodied 767. "We will offer Boeing our expertise to form some kind of co-operation," says David Arzi, general manager of the Bedek division. "We will then be able to offer the best conversion solutions," he adds.
It is unclear whether Boeing wants to forge a link with its Israeli rival. The country's national airline, El Al, is a major Boeing customer, and the US manufacturer is seeking to convince the airline not to switch to Airbus for short-haul aircraft, which could influence plans in the freighter market.
Bedek has a backlog for the conversion of eight 747s, having completed 13 747-100/200s, including combi and all-passenger models.
Source: Flight International
