El Al is to expand its Boeing 777 fleet as part of a strategy which will see some of its 747-400s phased out of its paassenger fleet and converted to freighters by local modification specialist Bedek Aviation Group.
Last month the Israeli airline introduced two new 777-200ERs, boosting its fleet of the twinjet to six aircraft. El Al sources say that the airline views the 777 as "perfect" for its needs in the coming years with plans to fly to Japan and other long-haul destinations.
The Israeli flag carrier's president Haim Romano confirms that the twinjet is "very high" in the airline's acquisition planning and according to Boeing sources, the Israeli airline has made "first steps" that may lead to the purchase of additional 777s.
El Al has a fleet of four passenger 747-400s, while its cargo arm is served by three 747-200Fs. The conversion schedule for the 747-400s will be determined by purchase or lease dates of its additional 777s. "We will convert the 747-400 because we have a growing demand for cargo in a variety of routes," says Romano.
The airline has been talking with the Bedek arm of Israel Aerospace Industries about the planned programme but has not signed anything formal yet.
Bedek has developed a rival 747-400 freighter conversion programme to the Boeing-led 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter modification, with supplemental type certificates for conversion of passenger and combi -400s to full freighter configuration. When the plan is fully implemented ,the group will have five hangars for 747-400 conversions.
Source: Flight International
