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Passenger to Freighter conversion Blog Post March 2023

Passenger to Freighter conversion

Aircraft conversion is a process that involves taking an existing passenger plane and modifying it into a freight airplane. This process typically involves a range of modifications to the aircraft, including the installation of a cargo door, reinforced floors, and other structural changes to accommodate heavier loads.

IAI is one of the leading providers of aircraft conversion services, with a proven track record of successful projects. The company has completed numerous aircraft conversion projects for clients around the world, including major cargo operators like DHL, FedEx, Atlas, Amazon, and Cargo Jet...

One of the key benefits of aircraft conversion is the ability to repurpose out-of-service passenger aircraft to convert to a freighter, which can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new cargo planes. In addition, converted planes can often be more versatile, as they can be used for a range of cargo types and sizes.

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                                                                                                                                                            B737 cargo converted

IAI's aircraft conversion services are highly customizable, allowing clients to tailor the modifications to their specific needs. For example, besides the conversion, he can decide to add or remove some systems of the aircraft.

The aircraft conversion process typically takes several months to complete, depending on the extent of the modifications required (depending on the mods brought by the customer). During this time, the aircraft is stripped down to its basic components, and the modifications are made before the plane is reassembled and tested to ensure it meets safety and regulatory requirements. The cost of aircraft conversion varies depending on the specific modifications required by the customer, but it is significantly less expensive than purchasing a new cargo plane.

Overall, aircraft conversion is a valuable option for cargo operators looking to expand their fleet and increase their cargo capacity. With the help of experienced providers like IAI, aircraft conversion projects can be completed efficiently and effectively, delivering a cost-effective solution for cargo transportation needs. During the conversion process, a human technician inspects the fuel tank to ensure conformity with design requirements and conducts functional tests to ensure proper operation. The fuel tank is prepared and vented for several days, after which the technician performs a visual inspection and non-destructive testing. These steps are lengthy and require precautions to ensure the technician's safety and aircraft integrity.

This is why the CONVERGING partnership is interesting in our case. By offering an automatic fuel tank inspection system, IAI, and more general maintenance facilities can save time, increase the accuracy of aircraft inspections, and improve the quality inspection of fuel tanks before closing. Additionally, using a robot instead of a technician can prevent injuries that may occur during manual inspections.