Thousands of old passenger planes around the world were suitable for converting to freighters each year, which could help improve the security and comfort of passenger planes as well as reduce the management costs of freighters, said Wang Zhi, senior official with China's General Administration of Civil Aviation.

China had conditions and an environment suitable for aircraft conversion, Wang said. China's airlines had developed rapidly in recent years, with old passenger planes replaced and a growing cargo market.

"The global aviation industry is in a slack period, while Chinais still maintaining fast growth in the area. We believe the technology of converting aircraft to freighters will be popular inChina," said Moshe Keret, president of the Israel Aircraft Industries.

The Bedek Aviation Group under the Israel Aircraft Industries began working with the Shenyang Aviation Company in converting Boeing aircraft five years ago. Bedek is now negotiating with some companies in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen to promote the conversion plan around China.

Bedek is a comprehensive aircraft modification center, meeting the needs of civil and military operators for special mission performance aircraft.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2002)