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Mammoth Freighters launches B777 conversion programmes

Mammoth Freighters, a company backed by Fortress Investment Group, has officially launched conversion programmes for the B777-200(LR) and the B777-300(ER) types, aiming to certify both variants in the second half of 2023.

Initial focus will be on the -200 with the B777-200(LRMF) to be the first conversion programme for this variant globally. As such, Mammoth has so far secured ten ex-Delta Air Lines units of the type (which the carrier retired in 2020) with "significant progress" with the conversion process's tooling and parts having been made. Once all designs have been finalised and approved, the actual conversion will tentatively commence in the second quarter of 2022.

The B777-200(LR) feedstock will remain relatively limited as Boeing manufactured just 61 units of the type, including one already scrapped. The type's largest operators right now are Emirates with ten units and Qatar Airways with nine, the ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows. Boeing's dedicated B777 freighter, the ACV!B77720F, is based on the B777-200 variant.

In turn, the B777-300(ERMF) will be...

IAI, Etihad to open B777 P2F conversion site in Abu Dhabi

Israel Aerospace Industries (Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) has partnered with Etihad Engineering, the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) wing of Etihad Aviation Group, to open a B777-300(ER) conversion facility at Abu Dhabi Int'l airport.

"The Boeing B777-300(ER)(SF) is not only extremely attractive to customers but a technological breakthrough, given that it’s the first in its size category to offer extensive cargo solutions. Not only do we see the demand, but we view it as a greener, more profitable, highly innovative solution for our airline customers, and an excellent way to drive value for our business," the Chief Executive of Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas, said.

The companies underscored that the Abraham Accords enabled the partnership, a breakthrough political agreement signed in August 2020 wherein the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain (later joined by Sudan and Morocco) normalised diplomatic ties with Israel.

Besides conversion activities, the new facility in Abu Dhabi will also function as an MRO centre for the type.

IAI is currently the world's only company that converts...