IAI to Establish World’s First Passenger to Freighter Conversion Site in Europe

July 5, 2021-

Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI)Aviation Group has agreed to establish a passenger to freighter conversion site to convert the Boeing 737-700/800 with Atitech company, at Atitech’s leading MRO center in Naples, Italy; this, following the rise in demand for cargo aircraft of this model. The cargo conversion site in Italy will join two existing cargo conversion sites in China.

Atitech MRO is a global company with extensive experience in aviation and is certified by the Federal Administration Agency (FAA Part 145) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA Part 145). The MRO center will supply solutions in maintenance and aircraft renovation, converting passenger aircraft to cargo configuration. In addition, it will provide training and support in licensing and registration. The establishment of the center is a testament to IAI’s growing impact around the world.

President of Atitech, Gianni Lettieri said, “By signing this contract with IAI we will restart the high-tech activity done when the North Capodichino Plant, today Atitech, belonged to Aeronavali Venice and specialized in conversion of DC8-DC10-MD10-MD1. I am personally glad to see Atitech expanding its services portfolio with this new very high-tech product, in line with the strategy of the company targeting to make the Italian National MRO (Polo delleManutenzioni). Freighter conversions require huge investment, advanced technology, and skilled personnel, with high barriers to entry in the sector.Atitech, possessing all the above and the know-how to retrofit Boeing’s passenger aircraft, looks forward to building support and cooperation with IAI.Based on its world-class MRO infrastructure, Atitech will convert in parallel, two aircraft, in a nose to tail lines contributing to strengthening the competitiveness of the Italian aviation industry.”

Executive VP of IAI and General Manager of Aviation Group, Yossi Melamed, said: “Establishing the first cargo conversion site in Europe is a historical step for IAI. The company started its path almost 70 years ago as a maintenance house for airplanes, since then IAI has become a world-leading name in converting passenger aircraft to freighters. Today, IAI’sconverted freighter aircraft serve the world’s largest cargo companies, and most of the e-commerce market. Atitech MRO was selected as a business partner to provide a solution to the European market among other markets as well. I feel confident the collaboration between these companies will mutually contribute toIAI and Atitech business.”

( News Based on Press Release shared by IAI).

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

The Asia-Pacific aviation sector is expanding rapidly, driving growth far beyond aircraft numbers into crucial verticals like MRO, training, logistics, and aerospace supply chains. In this edition of Aviation World, we bring you exclusive interviews and features from across these sectors, offering direct industry insights from top global leadership.

Our cover story highlights Shveta Gupta, CEO of Divyanshi Aviation. Under her dynamic leadership, the company has established itself as one of India’s premier aerospace supply chain providers, partnering with leading global manufacturers. Our corporate feature delves into Divyanshi Aviation’s core operations, paired with an exclusive interview where Ms. Gupta candidly shares her professional journey and vision for the company’s future.

This issue also features exclusive conversations with prominent industry leaders, including:

  • Ron Nye, President of Avionics, Acron Aviation
  • Bob Gibbs, Vice President, Defense & Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation
  • Sudhir S. Rajeshirke, President – Aerospace, Jubilant Enpro
  • Emmanuel Simon, Program Manager and Aerospace Leader, PHINIA
  • Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer, Saudia Group
  • Simon Azar, Vice President, Civil Aviation, Asia Pacific, CAE

Each leader offers key perspectives on their organization’s strategic initiatives and their growing contributions to the Indian aviation and aerospace ecosystem. Additionally, you will find expert-authored analytical features offering deep dives into current sector trends.

Aviation World continues to expand its global footprint as an official media partner for major domestic and international aviation events. Our editorial team will be participating in several upcoming global forums, and we look forward to connecting with industry peers and exploring new collaborations.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our advertisers and partners whose continued support fuels our endeavor.

Happy Reading!

The Editorial Team

Aviation World

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

Disclaimer

The contents published in this website are news covering Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector. The objective is to provide news in informative form to keep our readers updated of the latest development. We also publish content featured in our print publication Aviation World.We try our best to avoid any factual errors or image displayed here but we ensure immediate corrections to any such thing brought to our notice that might have been published inadvertently. All images and contents are sourced from the relevant organisations media team.

Copyright ©2014 – 2026. AVIATION WORLD. All rights reserved.

Scroll to Top