There is no shortage of customers for converted Boeing Triple Seven freighters. But what’s missing are the aircraft ordered by QR Cargo, DHL, and ET Cargo from the U.S. lessor Jetran. Jetran, in turn, is awaiting delivery of the first B777-200LRMF from its supplier, Mammoth Freighters LLC. This has been the case for two years now, as the first Boeing freighter converted by the Texas-based company was originally scheduled for delivery in 2024. Now, however, it appears that deliveries could begin as early as this year, although Mammoth has not specified a date.
From a regulatory standpoint, the B777-200 Long Range Mammoth Freighter (LRMF) has been given the green light. The Texas-based aircraft converter received the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA on 08APR26, authorizing commercial service of the 777-200LRMF.
Packed orderbook
The model features the largest main cargo door in its class, a reinforced floor, and an advanced cargo handling system. It offers a payload capacity of approximately 104,800 to 106,000 kg and a range of 4,800 – 4,900 nautical miles at maximum load – figures very close to those of the factory-built Boeing 777F, but at a much lower acquisition cost. However, the company did not reveal final costs. The program has received more than 40 firm orders across the B777-200LRMF and its sister model, the extended B-300ERMF, with Qatar Airways Cargo having ordered five units via Jetran and DHL nine. “We are convinced that our converted B777Fs represent an attractive and competitive option in the long-haul cargo market and will provide Jetrans’ customers – our airline partners – with added value,” Jetran Chief, Jordan Jaffe, told media representatives. Bill Tarpley, CEO of Mammoth Freighters, notes: “This [FAA] approval reflects years of disciplined engineering and close collaboration with the FAA, and underscores our ability to deliver a high-performance freighter.”
Attractive solution
Mammoth is backed by private investment funds managed by Fortress Investment Group LLC and its affiliates. The converter is based in Fort Worth, Texas with engineering offices in Rancho Bernardo, California and Seattle, Washington. The B777-200LRMF is positioned as an attractive option for operators seeking long-range capability and high payload without the cost of a brand-new freighter aircraft. The converter is also exploring expansion opportunities, including potential operators in the Far East. Currently, the first aircraft is undergoing autoland tests which are expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
Making aviation even safer
Autoland describes a system that fully automates the landing phase of an aircraft’s flight, with the human crew supervising the process. The pilots assume a monitoring role during the final stages of the approach and will only intervene in the event of a system failure or emergency and, after landing, taxi the aircraft off the runway to its parking position. The automated system was designed to enable landing in poor meteorological conditions that do not allow for a visual approach, although it can be utilized at any level of visibility if desired by the flight deck crew. It is yet another technical innovation designed to make aviation safer and to reduce pilots’ workload. Testing began on 26JUN26 at Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) with a Jetran-owned B777-200LR. The aim is to certify automatic landings in challenging wind and weather situations under CAT II/III conditions.
