Mammoth Freighters is expected to complete its first Boeing 777-300ERMF freighter conversion by the end of the year and launch customer AviaAM Leasing is planning for more conversions.
AviaAM Leasing, which signed up for six aircraft in 2022, said the project (for the first conversion) is entering its final stages. In addtion to the six converted aircraft, the Avia Solutions Group company plans to convert more aircraft of the same model "in the near future".
Tadas Goberis, chief executive of AviaAM Leasing, said: “This represents the world's first aircraft of this type – a prototype that marks a significant milestone in our company's growth.
"We plan to convert several additional aircraft of this model in the near future. This project will help us strengthen our position in the cargo aircraft leasing sector, as these converted aircraft will enable logistics companies to expand their capacity."
Fort Worth, Texas-based Mammoth is working with Aspire MRO on the conversion project and in February installed the main cargo door on the first 777-300ERMF.
Brian McCarthy, vice president of marketing and sales at Mammoth told Air Cargo News last year that Mammoth expects the first Avia 300ER to enter service in summer 2025 and all six aircraft are due to be delivered by mid-2027. However, this latest update means the project is now behind its original schedule.
McCarthy said: "Once converted, the Boeing 777-300ERMF will be one of the most fuel-efficient long-range freighters available. Its impressive payload capacity and range make it an attractive option for cargo operators worldwide."
Jonas Janukėnas, chief executive of Avia Solutions Group, added: “This type of conversion of a popular passenger aircraft is a historic achievement for AviaAM Leasing. Boeing foresees air cargo operators will need more than 2,600 freighters over the next two decades to keep up with increasing global freight traffic. P2F conversions are one way to meet this growing demand."
Once converted, the 777-300ERMF will be capable of transporting up to 98 tonnes over 5000 nautical miles, with 819 cubic meters of cargo on long-haul routes, including transatlantic operations.
There are currently three 777-300ER conversion programmes in place with IAI, KMC and Mammoth, in addition to the 777-200LR programme in development with Mammoth.
In May, it was announced that Qatar Airways Cargo would be the launch customer for Mammoth's Boeing 777-200 conversion programme after signing up for five of the model.
