IAI Aviation Group has reached a milestone in its P2F conversion of the first Boeing 777-300ER cutting an opening to install a cargo door.

Israel Aerospace Industries’ Aviation Group has cut a 7m section – a third of the aircraft’s circumference – from a Boeing 777-300ER as part of its passenger to freighter conversion. The entire project is expected to take approximately 130 days.

The cargo conversion process involves modifying the aircraft structure, including the installation of a new cargo door, replacing and reinforcing the cabin floor, installing reinforcements in the cargo door area and adapting the electric network and other systems.

The process also requires receiving certification for the converted aircraft from the Civilian Aviation Authority and the US’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Yossi Melamed, executive VP and general manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, said: "Completing the B777-300ER conversion on time and according to the planned schedule is at the top of the Aviation Group’s priorities. Today, we mark an exciting step in the prototype’s conversion.

“Cutting the aircraft’s hold for the new cargo door is a prime example, reflective of the cargo conversions at IAI, which significantly advances our development process for this conversion. This step will allow us to establish more conversion lines all over the world.”