AerCap Cargo delivers first two Boeing 777-300ERSF to Kalitta Air
AerCap Holdings N.V. announced it has delivered the first two Boeing 777-300ERSF Passenger-to-Freighter converted aircraft to Kalitta Air, including the prototype certification aircraft. The aircraft, which are part of a larger seven-aircraft order, arrived at Kalitta's facility in Oscoda, Michigan on September 12 and 13, respectively.
Kalitta Air became the launch operator of the AerCap Cargo 777-300ERSF conversion program in 2020, as part of their strategy to replace their ageing Boeing 747 freighter fleet. Since then, the program has undergone extensive certification and testing with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve the aircraft to operate at a 100-tonne payload capacity.
Kalitta Air plans to place both aircraft into revenue operations in early October, with further deliveries of the aircraft taking place over the coming weeks.
"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 program," said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap.
Connie Kalitta, CEO of Kalitta Air, said, "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."