Kalitta Air to be launch operator of “The Big Twin”

Aircraft manufacturers Features Airlines

October 30, 2020

GECAS Cargo has inked an agreement with Kalitta Air for three 777-300ERSF aircraft. With this agreement, Kalitta will be the first operator of the new passenger-to-freighter type, adding to their already sizable all-cargo fleet when these aircraft deliver in 2023.

Dubbed “The Big Twin,” the 777-300ERSF will be the largest ever twin-engine freighter. As announced a year ago, the conversion program is jointly funded by GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with GECAS delivering the prototype aircraft to undergo conversion in June of this year. Setting a new benchmark for cargo operators, The Big Twin will be powered by GE90 engines, the world’s most powerful in-service engine.

With twenty years of providing scheduled and on-demand charter service in the United States and around the world, Kalitta Air currently operates a fleet of more than three dozen cargo planes, including 747-400F, 767-300SF and 777F.

“Providing air express delivery all around the globe for virtually any type of freight, the addition of these three 777-300 freighters will help us meet the needs of customers,” said Conrad Kalitta, owner of Kalitta Air.

“We are delighted to continue our 15-year relationship with Kalitta Air and proud they’ve become the launch customer with the 777-300ERSF freighter for its future air cargo operations,” said Rich Greener, SVP and manager Cargo of GECAS, adding “The 777-300ERSF shares extensive commonality with the smaller production 777F. That’s a benefit to any operator looking to bring a new type into their fleet.”

The Big Twin will offer 25% more capacity than today’s twin-engine long-haul freighters and it is anticipated that the Big Twin will achieve up to 21% lower fuel-burn per tonne than the current 4-engine freighters. The GE90, designed specifically for the longer-range Boeing 777 aircraft, providing up to 115,000 lbs. of thrust. In addition to producing the sole-source engine for the 777 variants, GE Aviation is prepared to provide MRO engine services to ensure continued performance throughout the lifecycle to of the converted freighters.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.