The Bedek division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has won a contract from Airborne Express for cargo conversions on at least 11 Boeing 767-200s.
Airborne is acquiring 22 passenger General Electric CF6-powered 767-200s from All Nippon Airways for its cargo fleet, with the initial conversions being carried out by Timco at its plant in Greensboro, North Carolina. Timco also worked with Airborne and Seattle-based Flight Structures to gain the supplemental type certificate, held by Airborne.
Dubbed the 767-200PC (package carrier), the conversion involves the removal of the passenger equipment and the installation of a main deck cargo floor and cargo handling system, but not a cargo door. Airborne uses cargo containers that fit through standard passenger doors, removing the need for a maindeck cargo door.
Bedek beat four other suppliers to the contract, including Timco and Boeing Airplane Services. According to Bedek, the contract includes maintenance and is worth around $50million.
The deal is understood to include options for additional conversions should Airborne acquire more 767s.
Source: Flight International
