IAI Makes Aviation History: The First Boeing 777 Converted Into a Cargo Giant.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has once again redefined the future of aviation and defense. This week, the company announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking achievement: the world’s first conversion of a Boeing 777-300ER passenger jet into a full-fledged freighter.

After years of engineering, testing, and coordination with regulators, the aircraft has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI). With this milestone, Israel cements itself not only as a powerhouse of defense innovation but also as a global leader in civilian aerospace.

Israel Aerospace Industries announced it has completed converting a Boeing 777 from passenger to cargo use, becoming the first in the world to get STC certification from both the U.S. FAA and Israel’s CAAI. - Globes pic.twitter.com/ew6cdChJwp

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 3, 2025

The Birth of a New Cargo Titan

The newly certified B777-300ERSF (“Special Freighter”) is no ordinary aircraft. With a payload capacity of 100 tons, it instantly becomes one of the largest and most capable cargo planes in service worldwide. Designed for efficiency and lower operating costs, the converted 777 is set to disrupt the global freight market, where demand for mega-freighters continues to surge.

• Launch Customer: AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor.

• Launch Operator: Kalitta Air, a U.S.-based cargo airline known for pushing the limits of heavy airlift.

“This project positions IAI as the first in the world to transform a Boeing 777 into a freighter,” declared Boaz Levy, IAI’s President and CEO. Meanwhile, Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive VP and General Manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, heralded the certification as “a new standard in global air cargo that will soon be followed by additional conversions.”

From Passenger Jet to Global Lifeline

For decades, the Boeing 777 has been a symbol of long-haul passenger luxury. Now, under IAI’s vision, it has been reborn as a global lifeline for trade. This conversion reflects not just engineering brilliance, but also strategic foresight: the world needs cargo more than ever, and Israel is delivering.

By extending the aircraft’s service life, reducing operational costs, and adding massive payload capabilities, IAI is offering airlines and logistics companies a high-tech answer to the world’s supply chain demands.

IAI has successfully concluded the 1st flight of a B777-300ER passenger aircraft after converting this to a cargo configuration for AerCap

On conclusion of the certification process by the Civil Aviation Authorities, The Big Twin will be the 1st twin engine aircraft of this type pic.twitter.com/7Bk3xUprLt

— Israel Aerospace Industries (@ILAerospaceIAI) March 24, 2023

Defense Innovation Awarded

In parallel with this civilian triumph, IAI also received Israel’s prestigious Defense Prize, awarded for its contribution to national security through its fleet of Shavit, Eitam, and Oron Special Mission Aircraft.

These airborne marvels integrate advanced C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems. They have served on the frontlines of the Iron Swords War, operating with remarkable availability for nearly two years of combat. Their missions have included intelligence gathering, real-time battlefield surveillance, and providing the Israel Defense Forces with unmatched situational awareness.

A New Breed of Special Mission Aircraft

Unlike older generations that relied on bulky transport aircraft, IAI has pioneered the adaptation of business jet platforms, particularly the Gulfstream G550, transforming them into ultra-sophisticated intelligence hubs.

The breakthrough? Miniaturization of sensors, powerful software integration, and advanced capabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The result: smaller, faster, more flexible aircraft with the ability to see and understand the battlefield in real time.

Oron: Israel’s New “Eye in the Sky”

The crown jewel of IAI’s innovation, the Oron aircraft, entered operational service during the war with the IAF’s elite Nachshon Squadron. Equipped with wide-area persistent surveillance systems, Oron can track both land and sea targets across vast distances, under any weather conditions, with precision unmatched anywhere in the world.

This platform is not just an aircraft—it is a flying revolution in intelligence warfare, ensuring Israel remains several steps ahead of its adversaries.

Israel: Redefining the Skies

From converting jumbo passenger jets into mega-freighters to fielding the world’s most advanced special mission aircraft, Israel Aerospace Industries is proving that Israeli engineering and innovation are not only protecting the nation but also transforming global aviation.

One company. One nation. Leading in both war and peace—by land, sea, and sky.