ISRAEL Aerospace Industries (IAI) has begun work on the first Airbus A330-300 passenger to freighter conversion, following the successful completion of the final design review (FDR).

The freighter conversion company said it moved the aircraft into a construction hangar earlier this month, reports London's Air Cargo News.

As part of the preparation and pre-production process, IAI said it has established two supply chains to ensure stability and consistency of production for the widebody A330-300P2F.

Shmuel Kuzi, vice president and general manager of IAI's Aviation Group, said: "The entry of the first Airbus A330-300 into the passenger-to-freight conversion process is a significant milestone in the expansion of our portfolio for customers who choose to benefit from IAI's extensive knowledge, uncompromising quality, and attractive pricing in the field of aircraft cargo conversion."

Between 2025 and 2028, IAI said it will convert 30 Airbus A330-300 aircraft from passenger-to-freighter configurations.

Aircraft leasing firm Avolon became the launch customer for IAI's A330-300 programme after signing a deal for 30 of the conversions in 2021.

The A330-300 milestone comes as IAI's first-ever Boeing B777-300ER (Big Twin) conversion is expected to be certified by global aviation authorities in the coming months.