Thai Airways Signs Deal for 777-300ER Freighter Conversions

Thai Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Modification Center to convert its Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters, marking a major step in expanding Thailand’s aviation capabilities. CEO Chai Eamsiri said the agreement supports the government’s ambition to make Thailand a leading aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

The freighter conversions will be carried out at a maintenance facility at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport. Eamsiri highlighted that the partnership would boost Thailand’s expertise in aircraft conversion, generate new business opportunities, and contribute to building a more complete aviation industry. The initiative is also expected to create around 500 local jobs.

Although a Thai Airways spokesperson noted that the timeline for conversion remains in the research and development stage, the joint venture positions Thailand as the first Southeast Asian country with a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility capable of converting Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters. The partnership will also facilitate technology transfer from the United States and support the development of a local aircraft manufacturing ecosystem.

Kansas Modification Center, based in Wichita, specializes in Boeing 777 conversions and has developed a unique forward cargo door configuration placed near the rear of the aircraft to enhance weight distribution. The company aims to deliver its first converted aircraft by the end of 2025 and secure the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Boeing 777-300(ERCF) by mid-2026.

Thai Airways currently operates 17 Boeing 777-300ERs and is positioning itself to expand its presence in the global air cargo market through this strategic initiative.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com