Kalitta to lease 3 B777-300ERSF

Lessor GECAS has announced that it signed a lease-agreement with Kalitta Air for three B777-300ERSFs. The trio is set to be delivered to the airline in 2023 and Kalitta is the first customer for this new variant of the B777.

GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries launched this passenger-to-cargo-conversion variant of the B777 last year with GECAS signing on for fifteen B777-300ERSFs. The lessor also took options to take another fifteen. The joint-venture has given the nickname "Big Twin" to the project.

A first B777-300ER is currently being converted by IAI. It is c/n 32789, which is currently registered as N557CC by GECAS and is former A6-EBB of Emirates. It arrived at Tel Aviv on 4 June and is expected to make its first flight as a freighter in 2022.

The modifications for the B777-300ERSF consists of adding a main deck cargo door, window plugs, a modified crew rest compartment, cargo lining, cargo barriers and reinforcement of the airframe itself.

Photo by GECAS