By the end of the year Bedek Aviation Group aims to have established the first of several passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion operations outside its home base in Israel.
The most likely locations will be in South Africa or Europe, says David Arzi, corporate vice-president and general manager of Bedek, a subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries.
With a backlog of more than 50 aircraft conversions, which may have grown to 70 by year-end, Arzi believes that several operations will be needed.
"We are preparing six plants around the world," he says, with talks also going on with possible strategic partners for some of them.
Locations
Other potential locations are the US, where Bedek already has a subsidiary near Miami, China and Korea.
It will require two Boeing 737 conversion locations, two for the 767, and two for the 747 and other types, he said. "We have to move fast so not to lose orders," says Arzi.
This year, Bedek will perform 15 conversions, worth $100 million, with up to 20 planned for 2004.
Arzi believes the company has become the world leader in aircraft conversions.
At present it has six aircraft being completed in parallel at its Tel Aviv base.
This will rise to eight next year as the operation moves to a three-shift working pattern.
The aircraft currently being converted at Bedek are two 767-200s, two 757s and two 737s.
At present Bedek concentrates on Boeing types, and is adding the 747-400 to its portfolio, says Arzi.
He hopes to announce a launch customer for a 747-400 conversion programme soon and be the first to market.
Source: Flight Daily News
