GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has delivered a Boeing 777-300ER, MSN 32789, to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the prototype passenger-to-freighter conversion for the “Big Twin” program announced last October.
Ferrying from Dubai, the aircraft arrived in Tel Aviv on June 4, where it will undergo an extensive conversion at IAI's facility, including the addition of the main deck cargo door, freighter lining, window plugs, a modified crew compartment, a reinforced fuselage a 9G rigid cargo barrier and more.
Dubbed “The Big Twin,” the 777-300ERSF will be the largest ever twin-engine freighter. As launch customer and co-founder of the program, GECAS has committed fifteen firm orders and has fifteen additional options for the type.
Setting a new benchmark for cargo operators, The Big Twin will be powered by GE90 engines — the world's most powerful in-service engine — giving the 777-300ERSF 21% lower fuel burn per ton than the 747-400F. Complimenting the 777-200LRF, the 777-300ERSF shares extensive commonality with the smaller twin production freighter.