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 the second converted variant of the B777-300(ER) following the B777-300(ER)(SF), which is under certification with Israel Aerospace Industries. Mammoth Freighters said it expects its -300(ER) conversion to certify shortly after the -200(LR) does.

“All models of the B777 with General Electric GE90-110/115 engines are renowned for having superior operating economics compared to the ageing B747-400 and MD-11(F) fleets and, as freighters, both the B777-200LR and B777-300ER have a bright future in supporting global air cargo demand,” Co-Chief Executive Bill Tarpley said.

Mammoth Freighters was incorporated in 2020 specifically to focus on B777 conversions. Its owner, Fortress Investment Group, directly owns just seven CRJ200s, eight CRJ900s, and four E195s. However, its subsidiary, FTAI Aviation, owns a portfolio of 77 large jet aircraft but no B777-200(LR)s or B777-300(ER)s, the ch-aviation fleets ownership module indicates.