EVA Air has been approved by the board of directors and will sign a contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert three Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighter aircraft starting in 2025.
The company currently has a cargo fleet of eight Boeing 777Fs and the conversion of these aircraft will increase this figure to 11 units. Cargo capacity will increase by approximately 10%, which will benefit the company’s overall competitiveness.
«The COVID-19 epidemic has tested the resilience of the aviation industry. EVA Air is actively thinking about contingency strategies. While re-examining its fleet planning and is also optimistic about the future of air cargo» said Sun Jiaming, general manager of EVA Air.
CEO words
«We are delighted to have won EVA Air as a major customer in the field of cargo conversion of Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft. EVA Air once again entrusted us with the task of converting passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft. This proves that Israel Aerospace Industries’ technical and advanced capabilities, cost-effective solutions, and excellent service have won the customers’ affirmation» said Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries.
The Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft converted to freighter has high volume characteristics. The maximum payload is 100 metric tons, which is slightly less than the Boeing 777F, which can carry up to 106 tons.
Although on the other hand, due to the longer fuselage, the cargo volume can reach up to 28,000 cubic feet. Unlike the B77F which reaches 23,000 cubic feet, the cargo volume ratio is increased by 25%, which makes the 777-300ER freighter ideal for moving electronics goods.
The Boeing 777F is suitable for carrying heavy cargo loads, which will allow the company’s freighter fleet scheduling to be more flexible and improve operational efficiency.
This is not the first time EVA Air has undertaken this type of strategy; in the early 2000s the company converted several McDonnell Douglas MD-11s to freighters, and in the 2010s Boeing 747-400Ms underwent the same process.
