IAG Cargo is to upgrade its London to Tel Aviv services from Airbus A321s to Boeing 777-200s from March 2016 to take advantage of Israel’s fast growing pharmaceutical sector.

The 777-200s will operate twice a day between Heathrow Airport and Ben Gurion International Airport, replacing the remaining A321. The upgrade will provide a daily capacity of 29 tonnes and over the summer of 2016, IAG Cargo says space will increase by 72 per cent to 2,500 tonnes compared to this year.

IAG Cargo global head of pharmaceuticals and life sciences, Alan Dorling says: “Tel Aviv is a thriving business centre and it’s also one of the most important regions for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Through the additional capacity delivered by the 777-200, we can now offer manufacturers in the region greater lift, helping them as they look to grow their businesses.”

The airline says the Israeli pharmaceutical sector is expected to be worth $2.3 billion by 2020. Israeli drug companies will benefit from access to 106 Constant Climate approved destinations through IAG Cargo’s Good Distribution Practice approved Heathrow hub, with connections on to the growing pharmaceutical markets in Latin America.