THE BEDEK DIVISION of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has been awarded a contract to convert Tupolev Tu-154M passenger aircraft into VIP configuration.
Avia Star, the Russian manufacturer of the Tu-154M, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Israeli Company. The first Tu-154M will be flown to Israel shortly, to serve as the prototype for the conversion.
Bedek general manager David Arzi says that the contract could involve between ten and 15 aircraft. Arzi has also confirmed that negotiations are under way to convert a Boeing 747SP, operated by a CIS country, to VIP configuration.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has terminated the special surveillance of wide-body-airframe work performed by Bedek (Flight International, 17-23 May).
Bedek has been authorised to return to normal procedures on certification of airframe work on wide-body aircraft after a special inspection by an FAA team following concern over the quality of Boeing 747 work
Source: Flight International
