Boeing’s 777 converted freighter a new option for Asia’s cargo fleet

October 18th 2019

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GECAS and Israel’s IAI launch 777-300ER freighter conversion program. Read More »

Long-term planners of Asia’s large 777-300ER fleet have a new option now Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has launched a passenger to freighter conversion for the 777-300ER, with the first of the type to come off the production line in 2022.

The programme is being rolled out by lessor GECAS, which also is an investor. GECAS has ordered 15 firm conversions with 15 options. FlightGlobal estimated the conversion cost at US$35 million, excluding aircraft acquisition.

GECAS expected the program to accumulate 150 orders by 2030. This is the first time a conversion has been offered for 777 passenger aircraft.

Boeing’s production freighter is based on the -200LR. The converted -300ER freighter, to be designated Special Freighter (SF), will have 10 more pallet positions than the -200F.

Asia’s airlines rushed to convert passenger 747s to freighters, but learned the inherent inefficiency of a conversion made the aircraft ill-suited to long-haul cargo flights in a high fuel environment. GECAS expects the converted freighter to be better for e-commerce and express operators, where cargo is less dense.

GECAS cargo vice president, Richard Greener, told FlightGlobal, “At the cargo density sweet spot of around 7.5-8lb/cu., the -300ERSF can carry 20 tonnes more than a 777F, at 50% of the cost.” He forecast the converted freighter could fly 95% of the 747-400F routes.