Kalitta Air adds new Boeing 777 freighter to its operations
The aircraft, previously in service with Emirates SkyCargo, has now entered service with Kalitta Air.
Image: Kalitta Air
American cargo airline Kalitta Air has announced the addition of its newest Boeing 777 freighter, N794CK, to its fleet, marking another milestone in its operations.
The aircraft, previously in service with Emirates SkyCargo, first entered service on 30th November 2012, according to data from Planespotters.net. It was withdrawn from use by Emirates SkyCargo on 4th October 2024 and subsequently stored at Dubai International Airport (DXB) until 4th January 2025.
The aircraft was leased by Emirates SkyCargo from the aircraft leasing company Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).
The aircraft departed Dubai International Airport (DXB) on 4th January 2025, ferrying to Bangor International Airport (BGR) and later the same day to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (OSC).
Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (OSC) serves as a hub for Kalitta Air's extensive maintenance operations in Oscoda, Michigan, the airport also features a Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) facility, enabling the airline to test engines and carry out maintenance activities.
The Boeing 777F is now in service with Kalitta Air, which operates a fleet of 29 aircraft, including Boeing 747F and Boeing 777F, according to data from Planespotters.net. Of these, 20 Boeing 747F aircraft are actively in service, with 2 currently parked, while 7 Boeing 777F aircraft are in operation.
The next Boeing 777F in line after N794CK is N795CK, another former Emirates SkyCargo aircraft, which Kalitta Air is expected to take delivery of soon.
Additionally, Kalitta Air is the launch customer of the B777-300 Extended Range Special Freighter (ERSF) also called the 'Big Twin' conversion programme, which was launched by AerCap in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries Group (IAI).
The Big Twin, featuring Kalitta Air livery, at the Ethiopian Airlines MRO hangar in Addis Ababa
However, the airline’s first Boeing 777-300ERSF is still awaiting delivery from its aircraft lessor and financier, AerCap.
The programme is still pending STC certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other regulatory agencies, which has caused a delay in the delivery.
