AerCap Holdings (AerCap) has handed over the first two Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) converted aircraft to Kalitta Air, including the prototype certification aircraft. The aircraft, which form part of a larger seven-aircraft order, arrived at Kalitta Air’s facility in Oscoda, Michigan, on September 12 and 13 respectively.
Kalitta Air became the launch operator of the AerCap Cargo Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion programme in 2020, as part of its strategy to replace its ageing Boeing 747 freighter fleet. Since then, the programme has undergone extensive certification and testing with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve the aircraft for operation at a 100-tonne payload capacity.
Kalitta Air plans to place both aircraft into revenue service in early October, with further deliveries scheduled over the coming weeks.
Aengus Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of AerCap, expressed his delight at the delivery of the first Boeing 777-300ERSF to long-standing partner Kalitta Air, highlighting the close collaboration between the two companies throughout the programme. “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 program.”
Connie Kalitta, CEO of Kalitta Air, stated, “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.”
