Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has begun deliveries of the first Boeing 737-800BDSF converted freighters, following certification by Israeli and US authorities.
The approval, which was announced on 6 April, enables IAI to become the first company to have approved conversions for both the -800 and the smaller -700. The latter was certificated in 2017. Both conversions were developed by IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group in partnership with China’s Haite Group.
IAI says it has delivered the first two 737-800BDSFs to customers. Cirium fleets data reveals that these two aircraft are a 21-year-old ex-Transaero -800 and a 20-year-old former Pegasus -800. Both have been delivered to DHL Aviation USA and will be operated by IAero Airways.
The IAI conversion is the third to be approved for the 737-800. The Boeing-managed 737-800BCF modification was approved in 2018, while the -800SF conversion offered by Miami-based MRO AEI was certificated last year.
Cirium data shows 27 converted 737NGs currently in service, including six IAI modified 737-700BDSFs, 19 737-800BCFs and two -800SFs.
