Challenge Group is enhancing its overall capacity and operational flexibility to better serve its customers worldwide with the arrival of the B767-300BDSF (BEDEK Special Freighter by IAI) aircraft to its growing fleet.

The move comes as the airline is trying to diversify its fleet given evolving market demands and specific customer requirements. Challenge said the ‘increased adaptability will pave the way for exploring new markets, including short and medium-haul routes within the EU, the India sub-continent, and the Middle East.

The company emphasised that the introduction of the B767 is not meant to replace widebody freighters in its fleet like the B747-400. It also said it plans to add the B777F in the coming years.

Yossi Shoukroun, Challenge Group chief, commented: “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.”

The B767’s volumetric ratio makes it an ideal choice for transporting commodities, Challenge noted, making it highly suitable for the e-commerce and pharma industries, where volumetric capacity is critical. The company is expecting a fully operational fleet of B767 aircraft by Q1/2024 with more conversions set to continue in September.