Qatar Cargo to Debut Mammoth 777-200LRMF Freighter
Qatar Airways Cargo has confirmed it will become the launch customer for Mammoth Freighters’ converted 777-200LRMF, following the successful first test flight of prototype N705DN on April 29, 2025. The aircraft, originally a passenger 777-200LR, underwent an extensive freighter conversion at Aspire MRO’s Fort Worth, Texas facility under license from Boeing. This marks the first of five conversions ordered by Qatar Airways Cargo in a deal facilitated by lessor Jetran, underscoring the carrier’s commitment to expanding its premium long-range cargo capacity.
The conversion process addressed every key element of a modern freighter. Aspire MRO replaced the passenger door with a large cargo loading system from Collins Aerospace, optimized to handle standard palettes and bulk shipments more efficiently than previous 777 freighter adaptations. Reinforcements to the fuselage, floor beams and cargo restraint systems were made to ensure structural integrity and safety under heavy loads. Modified avionics and updated environmental control systems now support a greater range of cargo types, from perishables to oversized machinery parts, while meeting the latest regulatory certifications.
Bill Tarpley, CEO of Mammoth Freighters, hailed the test flight as the culmination of several years of engineering collaboration. He emphasized that the 777-200LRMF aims to set new industry benchmarks for productivity and operating economics. With its long range and large payload capability, the converted freighter can serve intercontinental routes without intermediate stops, allowing Qatar Airways Cargo to open new markets and offer faster transit times for high-value shipments. Tarpley noted that the program’s success depended on close coordination between Mammoth, Aspire MRO, Jetran and Boeing.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said the addition of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF will play a pivotal role in the airline’s fleet growth strategy. As the world’s largest freight carrier, Qatar Airways Cargo seeks aircraft that blend capacity, flexibility and fuel efficiency. The new freighter will join a network that already spans six continents, enabling seamless connections between production hubs in Asia, logistics centers in Europe and consumer markets in North America. Drusch added that international shippers increasingly demand reliable belly and full-freighter capacity, making the specialized conversion all the more valuable.
Jetran CEO Jordan Jaffe expressed pride in securing Qatar Airways Cargo as the launch customer. He highlighted Jetran’s role in sourcing, structuring and financing the conversion deal at scale. Jaffe noted that seven 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft are currently in the conversion pipeline—five in Texas and two at STS Aviation Services in Manchester, UK. The Manchester facility will accelerate delivery for European customers once initial certification milestones are cleared by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and its European counterpart, EASA.
As regulatory approvals progress, Mammoth Freighters and its partners plan to refine the 777-200LRMF’s performance through incremental design updates. Flight test data from N705DN will calibrate performance models, validate fuel consumption estimates and shape maintenance schedules. Qatar Airways Cargo expects to begin revenue service with the first converted freighter in the second half of 2025, offering enhanced schedule integrity and lower cost per ton-mile. With global air freight demand projected to grow steadily, the entry of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF promises to bolster Qatar’s competitive edge in time-sensitive cargo operations.
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