Israel Aerospace Industries is reportedly in talks with two India-based partners about setting up a widebody passenger-to-freighter conversion center in the country while also joining the list of companies with long-term MRO plans in India.
According to The Times of India, Tel Aviv-headquartered Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) hopes to have the facility set up in an undisclosed location in India within the next two years. Shmuel Kuzi, vice president of IAI’s Aviation Group, which oversees its passenger-to-freighter (P2F) and maintenance operations, told the Indian news outlet that it would look to have a P2F facility operational, likely for Airbus A330 or Boeing 777 conversions, by 2026 in an investment of around “a few million dollars.”
He confirmed that one of the potential P2F partners it is in discussions with is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which first formed ties with IAI in 2022 through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to convert 767 passenger aircraft into military air-to-air refueling platforms. The MoU also included potential for P2F conversion work.
Kuzi also confirmed to the publication that, long term, it will consider establishing an engine maintenance facility in India due to the country’s strong future demand for commercial engine MRO. Aviation Week Network’s Commercial Fleet and MRO Forecast estimates engine MRO in India will be worth $29 billion between 2024-33.
Aviation Week Network has contacted IAI for further comment on its India plans.
Speaking to Aviation Week Network last week after the company gained both FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification for Leap 1A engine quick turn services in Tel Aviv, Kuzi says IAI has been actively looking outside of Israel over the past few years by building up its partner network on P2F conversion programs in a constrained capacity environment.
These partnerships include cooperation with Etihad Engineering for 777-300ER P2F work in Abu Dhabi and with Sharp K Technics at Incheon International Airport in South Korea for 777-200ER and 777-300ER P2F conversions. The South Korea operation is expected to start by the end of this year and will target the conversion of six aircraft annually. IAI also has two U.S. P2F partnerships focused on 777-300ER conversions: Ascent Aviation in Marana, Arizona and another operation in Cincinnati, Ohio.
IAI expects the number of U.S. conversion lines to expand from four to six by next year due to strong demand. It also expects more work to be carried out with Serbia-based JAT Tehnika. Having worked with the company previously on 767-300ER P2F projects, IAI is exploring the possibility of 777 work taking place in Belgrade.
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