Mammoth Freighters has officially announced two new passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion programs. The company plans to offer P2F conversions for the Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR, potentially very lucrative programs. Let’s find out more.
Big bet
Mammoth Freighters officially launched its 777P2F program yesterday, promising to give new life to passenger aircraft. The airline began working on the project late last year and expects to receive FAA approval for its Supplemental Type Certificate by the second half of 2023. With backing from private funds, the company is confident that it can follow through on its plans.
The company has already secure ten 777-200LRs, which flew for Delta up until last year. Airlines and operators will be able to lease this converted fleet, provide their own aircraft for conversion, or have Mammoth acquire 777s. This gives operators flexibility depending on their current fleet.
In a statement about the launch, Co-CEOs Bill Tarpley and Bill Wagner said,
“All models of the 777 with GE90-110/115 engines are renowned for having superior operating economics compared to the aging 747-400 and MD-11 fleets and, as freighters, both the 777-200LR and 777-300ER have a bright future in supporting global air cargo demand…We are truly excited to bring the high-capacity, long-haul Mammoth 777s to the marketplace to meet the current and future demands of this rapidly growing widebody air cargo sector.”
Exciting times
Mammoth is not the only company going after the potentially lucrative 777 conversion market. GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are currently the leaders in the process and have reached halfway through ‘The Big Twin’ project. With the program ahead of schedule, launch operator Kalitta Air could be getting its first 777-300ERSF in 2022 or earlier.
However, this doesn’t mean Mammoth is left behind. The 777P2F market is expected to grow dramatically in the next decade. With 888 777-300ERs and -200LRs made since 2003, the market for second-hand jets will be booming in the next few years. Combine this with a surge in global cargo demand during the pandemic, and you have a recipe for a massive conversion program.
The P2F programs are already off to a strong start. Just last week, Eastern Airlines announced plans to add 35 new 777 freighters to its fleet while other operators have lined up too. While only a fraction of the passenger 777s will become freighters, it is good news for the retiring generation as the 777X takes over eventually.
Airbus challenge
The bustling 777P2F market comes just as Airbus announced its new A350F program in July. The aircraft hopes to break Boeing’s dominances on the freighter market which it has ruled for decades. However, the 777P2F will pose another challenge to Airbus, considering that it will be far cheaper for airlines. Overall, the 777 is here to stay and may actually become more popular in the coming years as cargo booms.
What do you think about Mammoth’s conversion program? Will airlines need so many freighters post-pandemic? Let us know in the comments!
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