Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has redelivered a Boeing 767-300ER to Challenge Airlines MT after completing conversion of the aircraft from a passenger-to-cargo configuration, at IAI’s conversion site facility in Belgrade. The aircraft is the first of four converted planes of this type, which IAI will redeliver under a contract signed in 2021, which also includes the conversion of four 777-300ER aircraft.
Challenge Group is an international air cargo conglomerate offering tailored air-freight industry solutions from handling, air and ground logistics, to aviation services, for a wide range of industries and commodities. Challenge Group employs over 1,000 people across three airlines (Challenge Airlines IL in Israel, Challenge Airlines BE in Belgium, and Challenge Airlines MT in Malta), a commercial division (Challenge Air Cargo) in Malta, a ground-handling company and a European road-feeder provider (Challenge Handling and Challenge Logistics, both in Liege, Belgium), an aircraft and parts leasing division (Challenge Aviation), and a comprehensive line maintenance provider (Challenge Technic).
The company has a long-standing business connection with IAI’s Aviation Group, mainly in aircraft heavy maintenance and engine overhaul. The decision of Challenge Group to choose IAI to convert so many aircraft is evidence of IAI’s product quality and proposed solution: additional proof of IAI’s reputation in the aviation world in general, and specifically in MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) and passenger-to-cargo conversion.