Bedek Aviation Group Forecasts $520 Million Sales

Bedek Aviation Group, a subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries, is forecasting continued growth for 2001, with total sales reaching $520 million. The company expects to sign $769 million worth of new contracts this year-a $32 million increase over 2000.

As a one-stop full-service provider, Bedek supports commercial airlines fleets with comprehensive aircraft, engines and components maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Bedek has expanded MRO services to include the Boeing 747-400, 767, 777 and MD-11, and has initiated servicing of the Airbus A319, A320 and A321.

Bedek recently announced a new $40 million, five-year "power by the hour" contract with Ryanair of Ireland, to support its fleet of 737-200s, and renewed a similarly valued five-year contract with Israel's Arkia Airlines, to provide a full service program for its 737 and 757 fleets.

The company has also signed CAL, Israel's Cargo Airlines, to a ten-year full service support deal under its new joint venture with GE. Its Engine Division is currently supporting various types of JT8, JT3 and JT9 powerplants, and is gearing up to support more engine types in the future, including the JT9D-7Q/-7R4 and CFM-56-5/-7, as well as the V2500 and PW4000.

Bedek is also expanding its aircraft conversion capabilities. In cooperation with Boeing, it is working on the FAA STC approval of a 757 passenger-to-cargo modification, and expects to perform up to 50% of the estimated market for some 350 757 cargo conversions. The initial three-year contract with Boeing is for 20 aircraft, valued at $40 million.

Airborne Express has extended its orders with Bedek for cargo conversions of 11 767s at a cost of $50 million. Four aircraft have been completed and redelivered to the customer. In another program, with Air France, 747-200 Combis are being converted to a special freighter configuration. The work is being carried out by Air France's own personnel, with Bedek providing conversion kits, drawings and tooling, as well as engineering assistance, supervision and certification support.