Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has conducted the first flight of its Boeing B777-300ERSF converted freighter for lessor AerCap.
The B777-300ERSF, also known as ‘The Big Twin’, is the first passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion programme of the B777-300ER and will be the largest twin-engine freighter when it enters service this year.
“IAI has successfully concluded the first flight of a B777-300ER passenger aircraft after converting this to a cargo configuration, for AerCap,” said IAI in a LinkedIn post.
“On conclusion of the certification process by the Civil Aviation Authorities, The Big Twin will be the first twin engine aircraft of this type, able to carry 100 tons' cargo payload.
“This program adds to IAI’s 45-year aircraft conversion track record including the B767-200/300, B747-400, and B737-700/800 freighter programs, in service today.”
In 2021, IAI started structural modification work on the first B777 freighter conversion on behalf of programme partner GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) - since absorbed into AerCap.
The first aircraft is expected to deliver in the first half of 2023 to US cargo airline, Kalitta Air.
In January, AerCap signed lease agreements for four B777-300ERSF aircraft with Hong Kong-based global air cargo charter company, Fly Meta.
The aircraft are scheduled to deliver in 2024 through 2025.
