Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Merlin has signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to jointly develop, integrate, and certify AI-powered autonomous flight technology for Part 25 cargo aircraft, giving the Boston-based start-up’s Condor program a potential route into the freighter conversion market.
Announced on July 23, the non-binding agreement covers joint market exploration, engineering collaboration, regulatory preparation, and initial platform selection, according to Merlin. The companies intend for that work to culminate in a definitive commercial agreement and a structured certification path, though they have not yet chosen an aircraft type, disclosed financial terms, or committed to a timeline.
IAI developed the first and only certified passenger-to-freighter conversion of the Boeing 777-300ER, the best-selling widebody passenger jet ever built. That conversion, marketed as the “Big Twin” and developed with lessor AerCap, entered service last year, and IAI is now expanding its network of facilities to produce it.
The state-owned manufacturer has converted freighters for more than four decades across the Boeing 737, 747, and 767 families. Its 767-300 line alone has yielded more than 100 airframes, with Amazon and DHL among the operators flying them. IAI’s first Airbus program—an A330-300 conversion launched with leasing company Avolon—is expected to win certification by the end of this year.
“IAI sits at the center of the global cargo aviation ecosystem, and its deep expertise in aircraft certification, advanced avionics, and freighter conversions makes it a critical partner as we advance the Condor program,” said Merlin founder and CEO Matt George.
Merlin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-05-18/merlin-introduces-condor-autonomy-platform-large-freighters">unveiled Condor</a> in May as the first named product family built on its Merlin Pilot system, targeting large, multi-crew airplanes. The company has framed Condor as a crew augmentation tool—software that flies alongside pilots to extend their capabilities—rather than a replacement for humans in the flight deck. IAI is the second partner Merlin has announced for the program, following London-based cargo aircraft lessor World Star Aviation.
“Autonomous technologies have the potential to become a significant part of the future aviation ecosystem, but their adoption will require far more than software innovation alone,” said IAI Aviation Group executive v-p and general manager Yaacov Berkovitz. “Success will depend on the ability to integrate new capabilities into certified aircraft platforms while meeting the industry’s rigorous safety and regulatory standards.”
The accord with IAI caps an eventful stretch for Merlin, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-03-17/merlin-ipo-raises-200-million-autonomous-flight-goals">listed on the Nasdaq</a> stock exchange earlier this year. On July 17, the company’s Cessna 208B Grand Caravan performed what Merlin claims was the first autonomous landing of a conventional airplane in the history of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an engineering test pilot aboard as a safety monitor. In June, the autonomy system Merlin is developing for U.S. Special Operations Command C-130J transports passed its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-06-05/merlins-autonomous-c-130j-passes-critical-design-review">critical design review</a>, moving that program into aircraft integration.
Demand for the technology may hinge on how quickly the freighter fleet grows. Boeing’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/cargo-forecast">World Air Cargo Forecast</a>, published in 2024, projects that the global fleet of large freighters will grow from roughly 2,340 aircraft today to nearly 3,900 by 2043, requiring more than 2,800 production and conversion deliveries at a time when cargo carriers continue to grapple with a persistent pilot shortage.

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.

Merlin, Israel Aerospace Industries Team on Autonomous Freighter Conversion

Condor program gains a freighter conversion partner

Merlin and Israel Aerospace Industries agree to jointly develop, integrate, and certify AI-powered autonomous flight technology for Part 25 cargo aircraft.

IAI Joins Merlin’s Push To Automate Cargo Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

CAR-145 approval from popular offshore register supports regional growth strategy

San Marino Approves DC Aviation for Bizjet Maintenance

Matt Thurber

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Weighs 45 pounds less than lead-acid battery and provides faster and cooler engine start

True Blue Power Energizes SIAI-Marchetti S.211

Amy Wilder

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.

Program also allows upgrades during the service event

Elliott Aviation Launches Five Day Pre-buy Evaluations

10-year service agreement covers two preowned Swedish Global 6500s 

Sweden Signs for Bombardier Defense Support Deal 

Curt Epstein

Belgrade-based company specializes in Citation maintenance

Prince Aviation Does Eight Engine Swaps in Five Days

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.

New propellers available on Cessna 180 Skywagons and Beechcraft A36s

Hartzell Adds Frontier and Navigator Top Prop STCs

Consolidates activities under Chip Kiehn, new v-p of propeller programs

Blackhawk Group Launches New Propeller Solutions Group

David Donald

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Merlin

Israel Aerospace Industries

More In Maintenance and Modifications