Freight IAI signs deal with DHL to convert further passenger aircraft to freighter

Israel Aerospace Industries has signed a deal with DHL International GmbH, which is valued at tens of millions of dollars and which will see the Israeli company to convert three additional Boeing 767-300 passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft. A potential fourth aircraft could follow.

This latest order by DHL could be coming from the increased demand for cargo aircraft due to the COVID-19 crisis. The deal is another milestone for IAI´s cargo conversion program and the overall business of the company´s group, which was established back in January 2019.

DHL has been using the Boeing 767-300 Freighter for several years now and is constantly taking the opportunity to convert more aircraft in order to expand its cargo business.

IAI EVP and General Manager of Aviation Group, Yossi Melamed, commented: “IAI is a world leader for passenger to cargo conversions. We provide high-quality solutions tailored to the customer's needs on narrow and wide-body aircraft. The constant increase in the e-commerce market and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the importance of cargo aircraft. We thank DHL International GmbH for their acknowledgment of IAI’s performance and again trusting us to convert additional aircraft for their cargo aircraft fleet.”

Recently, IAI has signed a deal with GECAS to design, develop and certify the Boeing 777-300 passenger to cargo conversion. This underlines the standing of the company in the freight conversion branch.

DHL International GmbH was originally founded in San Francisco in 1969. In 2001, German post courier Deutsche Post acquired a majority of DHL shares and the remaining 49% a year later. The company has its headquarters in Bonn, Germany and currently employs over 380,000 staff.

The aviation division includes several subsidiary carriers from around the world. The global fleet includes four ATR 42/72s, 18 Airbus A300Fs, two A330Fs, four Boeing 737Fs, 34 757Fs, 10 767Fs and six 777Fs.