GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have launched the Boeing 777-300ERSF and the establishment of a passenger-to-freighter conversion program. Dubbed “The Big Twin” — denoting its status as the largest ever twin-engined freighter — the initiative is jointly funded by GECAS and IAI. With agreements signed in July 2019 and a prototype aircraft to be provided by GECAS, the 777-300ERSF Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Development Program has now been launched.
As launch customer and co-founder of the program, GECAS will commit 15 firm orders and has fifteen additional options for the 777-300ERSF from GECAS’ owned portfolio to the program (including the prototype aircraft). The conversion of initial aircraft is expected to take place in Tel Aviv with further conversion lines contemplated in other locations outside of Israel from 2023.
The program will also see IAI enter into conversion agreements for the 777-300ERSF directly with airlines as well as other lessors around the world. The 777-300ERSF STC development and prototype conversion is estimated to take over three years from the start of the program to achieving CAAI/FAA STC Approval, while subsequent aircraft will average four to five months to convert.
