Israel Aerospace Industries' unit Bedek Aviation Group is set to open a facility in Mexico to support the conversion of Boeing 767-300 passenger aircraft into freighter configuration.

The proposed facility will be operated by Mexicana MRO Services as a subcontractor of Bedek.

Various Mexicana employees, including structural engineers, electricians, mechanics and engineers, have already been trained at IAI to perform various works on-site.

The plant is expected to receive the first aircraft for conversion by the end of this month.

“The collaboration with Mexicana has significant business potential and is good news for both parties."

As the owner of the supplementary type certificate for conversion, IAI will retain engineering authority and overall responsibility for the conversions to be performed at the new site.

Bedek executive vice-president and general manager Yosi Melamed said: “We are experiencing a period of increased demand for conversion into freighters and Bedek is up to its neck in work.

“The collaboration with Mexicana has significant business potential and is good news for both parties.

“Collaborations of this type allow us to make time for development activities and reduce the workload in Israel to provide faster and better service to our many customers.”

Bedek Aviation Group has already converted the B737, MD-11, B747, B757 and B767 aircraft from passenger to freighters.

The company also provides full range ofmaintenance and overhaul services to its customers, including aircraft leasing companies, airlines, aircraft manufacturers and air cargo companies.


Image: An aircraft insidemanufacturing plant. Photo: courtesy of Israel Aerospace Industries.