Aviation

Converting a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into a freighter

Converting a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into a freighter: GECAS– General Electric Capital Aviation Services, the finance arm of the conglomerate General Electric and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has now passed the planned halfway phase of the Development Program for the 777-300ERSF. This a key milestone for “the Big Twin”.

“The Big Twin is scheduled to be officially inducted into the IAI 777-300ER P2F Line 1 in Tel Aviv to commence the Prototype Conversion towards the end of June 2021,” says Yosef Melamed, IAI EVP and General Manager of Aviation Group. “This is an exciting milestone for the Big Twin freighter program.”

After extensive planning and preparation, the STC Development Program has already completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) and subsequent Design Freeze of the 777-300ERSF. The prototype 777-300ER (MSN 32789) was delivered to IAI’s facility in Tel Aviv by GECAS in June of last year — a full six months ahead of the initial timeline. Since delivery, ground and flight tests have been completed as the prototype aircraft traveled between Tel Aviv and the United States. The aircraft has now returned to Tel Aviv to enter its pre-conversion preparation phase.

A new passenger to freighter conversion program requires significant planning and preparation before modifications — such as the addition of the Main Deck Cargo Door, freighter lining, window plugs, a modified crew compartment, a reinforced fuselage, an all-new floor structure to support the 222,000 Lbs. MSP, a 9G rigid cargo barrier, and a powered cargo loading system — can get underway. Moreover, obtaining the STC requires satisfying the stringent requirements of civil aviation authorities.

As announced in October 2020, Kalitta Air, which has provided scheduled and on-demand freighter charter service for twenty years, is the launch operator for the Big Twin.

Qatar Airways interested in Boeing 777X freighter version

https://amzn.to/3cE27pF

Related Topics:airbus B777 Boeing gecas general electric

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

American Airlines Is Looking for Flight Attendants: Apply Now

The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

Close Call at Heathrow: BA Flight Narrowly Escapes Drone Collision

China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.