Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s best airline, said it has completed the conversion of one of its three B767 passenger aircraft to a freighter.
Ethiopian partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and launched a B767-300ER freighter conversion line at Ethiopian MRO facilities in Addis Ababa.
The airline introduced these aircraft models in 2004.
The airline said the conversion aims to replace these ageing aeroplanes with ultramodern and technologically advanced passenger aircraft that will provide the utmost comfort and convenience for passengers.
Converting the aircraft into a freighter also boosts the airline’s cargo shipment capacity and enhances its service.
Speaking on the development, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Israel Aerospace Industries and become the first African carrier to complete the passenger-to-cargo conversion of B767 aircraft successfully.
As a fast-growing airline, our partnership with IAI, one of the global technology leaders in the Aerospace industry, is crucial in technology and skill transfer in maintenance, repair and overhaul. Ethiopian Airlines is committed to getting closer to its customers with high-quality cargo services. In addition to our latest freighter fleets, the converted B767 aircraft will augment our growing local and international cargo destinations with more load capacities. We have been working to expand our cargo operation as demand is expected to grow with the establishment of an e-commerce hub in Addis Ababa.”
Ethiopian Airlines hailed for role in global distribution of medical supplies
The Airlines has been hailed for its key role in the global distribution of medical supplies and vaccines. Its cargo wing has served as a lifeline for the airline during the difficult times of the pandemic.
Ethiopian temporarily converted around 25 of its wide-body passenger aircraft into freighters using its in-house MRO capability. This boosted its cargo operations and enabled it to transport around 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine around the globe.
In partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries, Ethiopia started converting its B767 passenger aircraft fully to the continent’s largest maintenance, overhaul, and repair centre in Addis Ababa early this year.
The airline has completed the conversion of one of its three B767 aircraft, while the conversion of the second aircraft has reached an essential stage of door cutting and will be completed in a few months.
