First passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft delivered in Yichang
2023-08-09 19:08:37
By Chen Zai, Yichang International Communication Studio
The first Central China passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft touched down at Yichang's Three Gorges Airport Economic Zone on August 8th. The successful delivery marks a significant advancement in the region's aviation capabilities.
The first Central China passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft touched down at Yichang's Three Gorges Airport Economic Zone on August 8th. The successful delivery marks a significant advancement in the region's aviation capabilities.
In cooperation between Yichang’s Bedek Lingyun Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co. (BELINCO) and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI), the conversion of the Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft into a cargo configuration began on August 2022.
This delivery not only establishes the robust groundwork for BELINCO's global business expansion and role as IAI's Asian conversion center, but also propels the cutting-edge manufacturing progress within the Three Gorges Airport Economic Zone.
IAI has maintained its global leadership in passenger-to-freighter conversions since the 1980s, focusing on aircraft models including the B767, B737, and B747. Boasting over 40 years of experience, IAI has delivered more than 250 successfully converted aircrafts. Holding STCs from key aviation authorities like the FAA, EASA, and CAAC, its converted fleet's cumulative flight hours have surpassed 2.5 million.
As a joint venture between Lingyun Group and IAI's Bedek Aviation Group, BELINCO is the sole MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) entity in Central China for civil aircraft passenger-to-freighter conversions. Established in 2016, BELINCO has successfully managed over 360 tasks, accumulating vast experience in scheduled inspections, structural repairs, conversions, painting, and dismantling of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series aircrafts.
