Kalitta Charters II Set to Phase Out Boeing 727s in 2024, Shifting to All-737 Freighter Fleet

Kalitta Charters II, based in Detroit Willow Run, is preparing to bid farewell to its final two Boeing 727-200F aircraft in 2024, marking a significant transition to an exclusively Boeing 737 freighter fleet. This decision underlines the airline’s strategy to modernize its cargo operations.

The cargo charter specialist acknowledged the 727’s pivotal role in the air freight industry, highlighting its exceptional performance and field reliability. According to the ch-aviation fleets history module, Kalitta Charters II began incorporating 727-200(F)s into its fleet in 2000 and has operated a total of nine such aircraft. Presently, only two 727s remain active, which are 43.2 and 41.7 years old, respectively. These aircraft, formerly part of Astar Air Cargo’s fleet, are now nearing the end of their service life, with the rest of the 727s already parked at Oscoda.

Kalitta Charters II’s shift away from older aircraft models began with the retirement of its DC-9 freighters in 2019. The current fleet composition includes one 737-300(BDSF), four 737-300(F)s, eight 737-400(SF)s, and two 737-800(BDSF)s. The company has been progressively expanding its 737 freighter collection since the introduction of its first such aircraft in 2014. Notably, one 737-400(SF) and both 737-800(BDSF)s are operated under a Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (CMI) agreement with DHL Worldwide Express.

The move to retire the 727s reflects Kalitta Charters II’s commitment to fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and environmental considerations. By focusing on the more efficient B737 freighter models, the airline is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of the cargo transport industry.