An international conference dedicated to discussing a variety of issues connected to converting passenger aircraft to cargo configurations and the turmoil in the aviation industry and what does it mean for the airlines and MROs, took place in Beijing, China, September 24-26, 2008. The 5th conference was organized by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)'s Bedek Aviation Group.
Executives from various companies, airlines, aircraft industries as well as finance and aircraft leasing companies from all over the world attended the conference. Well known and respected speakers have discussed the recent news which poses a major interest to executives from The U.S., Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India and other countries.
Conference subjects included presentations by leading and well respected aviation executives on conversions, MRO centers, effect of oil prices on the industry, financing of freighters, advantage of a global network of MRO, after sales customer support, potential cargo conversions for the Chinese market and other related topics.
Dany Kleiman, IAI's Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Bedek Aviation Group, said: “The field of aircraft conversions has strong roots in IAI's core business and is one of the growth areas of our company. In spite of the turmoil in the industry as a result of the significant increase in the cost of oil, I anticipate positive trend in the freighter market. This conference's goal was to discuss all variables involved and to have an outlook on our industry."
Bedek Aviation Group has recently opened two new hangars for converting B747-400 aircraft from passenger to freighter configurations. The hangars, which accommodate various wide body aircraft will allow for growth in aircraft conversions and heavy maintenance. The new hangars, built under advanced environmental standards, include an underground service tunnel and equipment to supply compressed air, electricity, air-conditioning, water, etc. Warehouses, shops, control rooms and offices for support teams, such as engineering, manufacturing control and management are located close to the hangar.
The Bedek Aviation Group of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. is a "Full service Provider" (MRO) for a wide range of aircraft, engines and components, as well as a world leader in comprehensive cargo conversion programs and conversion & upgrade of special mission aircraft, based on full in-house development engineering capability. Bedek services include Total Maintenance Service packages for airlines, heavy airframe maintenance services, and overhaul and repair of wide range of engines and components. Bedek is an STC holder for cargo conversions and weight upgrades for Boeing 747-400 (Pax and Combi), Boeing 767-200 (sole STC holder), Boeing 737-300 and is currently developing STC's for Boeing 767-300 and Boeing 737-400 Cargo Conversions.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il