The handover of two converted 777-300ERSF aircraft to Kalitta Air follows FAA certification approval in August, with the 100-tonne capacity freighters set to enter revenue service in early October as part of fleet modernisation efforts.
Aircraft lessor AerCap has delivered the first two converted Boeing 777 freighters to launch operator Kalitta Air after the programme gained certification last month.
The two 777-300ERSF Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft — including the programme’s prototype certification model — were handed over to Kalitta at its Oscoda, Michigan facility on 12 and 13 September.
They are part of a seven-aircraft order placed by Kalitta as it works to modernise its fleet and replace its ageing Boeing 747 freighters.
The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) conversion programme had faced delays in gaining certification from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), with the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) finally being granted in August.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) has also certified the aircraft.
Revenue operations for the first two aircraft are expected to begin in early October, with additional deliveries scheduled over the coming weeks.
Aengus Kelly, chief executive of AerCap, said: “We are delighted to deliver the very first 777-300ERSF to our unwavering partner Kalitta Air, who have been with us shoulder to shoulder throughout this journey. With certification now received from both the CAAI and FAA, we are pleased to begin delivering the aircraft to our customers – a significant milestone for the programme.”
Connie Kalitta, chief executive of Kalitta Air, added: “Kalitta Air has always embraced new technology to serve our customers, and we are proud to be the launch operator for the first 777-300ERSF. This aircraft will give us greater range and payload capability to meet growing demand in the global cargo market.”
The 100 tonne capacity 777-300ERSF, also known as “The Big Twin”, is jointly developed by AerCap and IAI, offering operators a lower-cost alternative to existing widebody freighters.
The two companies launched the programme in 2019 as they sought to develop an alternative to the production version of the aircraft and the Boeing 747 freighter, which is no longer being produced.
AerCap said the 777-300ERSF reduces CO2 emissions by 20% compared with the 747 freighter.
Kalitta provides scheduled and on-demand cargo services to customers ranging from major express carriers and freight forwarders to the US government and military.
According to fleet tracking site Planespotters, the airline operates 20 747-400Fs and seven 777FS in addition to its two 777-300ERSFs.
