Contributor - UK

David Donald

The Boeing 777-300ERSF “Big Twin,” a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion of the 777-300ER engineered by Israel Aerospace Industries’ Bedek Aviation Group, is making its first public appearance at the Dubai Airshow. The aircraft on show is the prototype conversion and had previously operated on regular passenger duties with Emirates Airline before being withdrawn from use in February 2020.
The aircraft flew to Tel Aviv for the P2F conversion in 2021 and took to the air again in March this year. After a lay-up, it resumed test-flying last month. One of 20 aircraft on order for lessor AerCap, the Big Twin is destined for service with U.S. cargo carrier Kalitta Air.
IAI Bedek has been a major player in P2F work for years, notably with 747 and 767 freighter conversions. With the Boeing 777 becoming increasingly available, the company has launched the Big Twin primarily as a replacement for the Boeing 747-400F and MD-11F, which have served as the stalwart heavy-lifters of the cargo world for many years.
The arguments for a 777-based P2F are compelling. The Big Twin offers 25 percent more volume than Boeing's 777-200LRF new-build freighter and 15 percent more than the 747-400BCF. It burns 21 percent less fuel per tonne than the aging 747, while IAI claims that operating costs per tonne are 22 percent lower than those of the 777-200LRF. The range of 4,650 nm matches that of the 747F, enabling operators to transition seamlessly.
IAI’s conversion includes a reinforced structure and new cargo floor, as well as a 146.5- versus 120-inch main cargo door in the rear port cabin. The cargo loading system accommodates a wide variety of pallets and containers, as well as standalone items.
IAI has gained significant interest in its Big Twin offer. In anticipation of heavy demand for the 777-300ERSF, the company has arranged production partnerships with Etihad Engineering in Abu Dhabi and Sharp Technics K at Incheon in South Korea to augment its own conversion capacity in Tel Aviv.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

IAI’s Boeing 777-300ERSF “Big Twin” Freighter Lands in Dubai

The 777-300ERSF is the first Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter conversion

The Boeing 777-300ERSF “Big Twin,” a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion of the 777-300ER engineered by IAI, has landed at the Dubai Airshow. 

IAI’s “Big Twin” Freighter Lands in Dubai

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Avanti NX was unveiled in February with upgrades ahead

Piaggio Receives Launch Order for Avanti NX

Curt Epstein

Facility will allow customers to better customize their airplanes

Pilatus Breaks Ground on Aircraft Delivery Center 

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

White Paper outlines several recommendations for bolstering investment support in aviation companies

GAMA White Paper Maps Funding Path for Euro Clean Tech

Amy Wilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Testing to begin mid-2027 at Norwegian airports

Bristow and Electra Test Ultra Short Aircraft in Norway

Charles Alcock

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

German company still aims to certify higher-spec VoloCity model in 2027

Volocopter Launches Ultralight Version Two-Seat eVTOL

The utility turboprop single flew from Idaho to Germany to be at the Aero Friedrichshafen show

Kodiak 900 Makes European Debut as TBM 980 Deliveries Grow

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Dubai Airshow 2023

In this article

Boeing 777

Israel Aerospace Industries

Boeing Commercial

More In Aircraft

Piaggio Receives Launch Order for Avanti NX

Avanti NX was unveiled in February with upgrades ahead

Pilatus Breaks Ground on Aircraft Delivery Center

Facility will allow customers to better customize their airplanes

GAMA White Paper Maps Funding Path for Euro Clean Tech

White Paper outlines several recommendations for bolstering investment support in aviation companies

Bristow and Electra Test Ultra Short Aircraft in Norway

Testing to begin mid-2027 at Norwegian airports

Volocopter Launches Ultralight Version Two-Seat eVTOL

German company still aims to certify higher-spec VoloCity model in 2027

Kodiak 900 Makes European Debut as TBM 980 Deliveries Grow

The utility turboprop single flew from Idaho to Germany to be at the Aero Friedrichshafen show

BAAFEx Show Targets Asia-Pacific Business Aviation Growth

Second biennial show will be held from March 22 to 24 in Singapore

Cessna Citation Ascend Makes European Public Debut

Textron’s latest midsize jet is making a demonstration tour of Europe

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN