Aircraft leasing firm Avolon will become the launch customer for Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) A330-300 freighter conversion programme after signing a deal for 30 of the aircraft.
The agreement will see Avolon partner with IAI on its STC development and take 30 A330-300 conversion slots between 2025 and 2028.
The aircraft have a maximum payload of 61 tonnes, 27 maindeck pallet positions and a range of more than 3,600 nautical miles.
Avolon said the aircraft are "uniquely placed to support forecasted growth in e-commerce over the next 20 years".
Dómhnal Slattery, Avolon chief executive, said: “We identified IAI as a long-time global leader in the aircraft conversion business and the right partner for Avolon to capitalise on the unparalleled growth in e-commerce.
"The global airfreight market is worth over $150bn annually today and the sector is transforming, with air cargo traffic expected to double over the next 20 years. This agreement signals Avolon’s intention to be a leading player in that expansion.
"We believe the IAI A330-300 P2F will be the widebody freighter of choice this decade and beyond, replacing retiring aircraft and providing the volume capacity required to meet market needs."
