Ethiopian Airlines finishes passenger air-plane into freighter conversion

The works have been completed in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), at Ethiopian MRO facilities located in Addis Ababa. The conversion aimed at improving the airline’s cargo shipment capacity and enhance operations on this segment.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew commented:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Israel Aerospace Industries and become the first African carrier to successfully complete the passenger- to -cargo conversion of B767 aircraft. As a fast growing airline, our partnership with IAI, one of the global technology leaders in the Aerospace industry, is crucial in technology and skill transfer in the field of maintenance, repair and overhaul.

“Ethiopian Airlines is committed to get closer to its customers with high quality cargo services. In addition to our latest freighter fleets, the converted B767 aircraft will augment our growing local and international cargo destinations with more load capacities. We have been working to expand our cargo operation as demand is expected to grow with the establishment of e commerce hub in Addis Ababa.”

Ethiopian Airlines played an important part in the global distribution of medical supplies and vaccines, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the carrier converted 25 of its aircraft into freighters and distributed more than 1 billion doses of vaccine worldwide.

A second B767 aircraft is expected to complete conversion works during the upcoming months. The Ethiopian fleet features three B767 air-planes.

The latest transformation is part of the cargo operations expansion strategy of the company, as Ethiopian Cargo in collaboration with Logistics Services are currently operating cargo flights across 130 international destinations by using 67 freighters.

Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services are the winners of this year’s Best Cargo Airline-Africa and Cargo Airline of the Year awards.

 

source: breakingtravelnews.com