Challenge Airlines MT (X6, Malta International) took delivery of its first converted B767-300ER(BDSF), the first B767-300ER to be converted by JAT Tehnika at Belgrade Nikola Tesla airport under the Israel Aerospace Industries' STC.
9H-CAC (msn 25588) was ferried from Belgrade to Malta International on August 9 and then to its base at Liège on August 12. It began commercial operations on August 19, flying between the Belgian cargo gateway and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. The 27.5-year-old aircraft was formerly operated as a passenger aircraft by Air Canada rouge (RV, Toronto Pearson), according to the ch-aviation fleets history module.
"This aircraft's enhanced efficiency and sustainability align perfectly with our mission to tackle the challenges posed by certain airport restrictions worldwide, including the 4-engine ban and noise level regulations that have been on the rise," Chief Executive of Challenge Group Yossi Shoukroun said.
Challenge Group expects to take a further three B767-300ER(BDSF)s by the first quarter of 2024, including 9H-CAD (msn 30301), which was added to the Maltese AOC in September 2022 for the then-new airline's certification. However, the aircraft was added as a makeshift freighter and was ferried for full conversion to Belgrade on August 14, 2023.
The holding emphasised that the B767s will be for growth rather than as a replacement for any of its B747s. The ch-aviation fleets module reveals that Challenge Airlines BE (X7, Liège) operates a B747-400(BCF), a B747-400ERF, and a B747-400FSCD, while Challenge Airlines IL (5C, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) operates one more -400ERF.
Challenge Group plans to eventually add four B777-300(ER)(SF)s, also for growth on top of the B747s and B767s.
