Qatar Airways Cargo named launch customer for Mammoth 777-200LRMF
The airline has finalised a deal with Jetran for five freighters, while the prototype freighter, registered N705DN, successfully completed its first test flight.
Qatar Airways Cargo has been announced as the launch customer for the Mammoth Freighters 777- 200LRMF. The airline has finalised a deal with Texas-based Jetran, LLC, an aviation services and aircraft leasing company, for five of the converted freighters.
“As the launch customer of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF converted freighter, Qatar Airways Cargo proudly continues to lead global trade as the world’s largest air freight carrier. This additional freighter capacity will be instrumental in advancing our fleet growth and expanding the premium cargo services we provide to customers worldwide. The growth of our fleet with the Mammoth 777s reflects our commitment to operating the largest freighter network and fleet in the industry,” says Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo.
Mammoth Freighters has also successfully completed the first test flight of its 777-200LRMF prototype freighter. According to data from Flightradar24, the flight took place on May 1 and lasted approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes.
The aircraft is registered as N705DN, it flew after an extensive conversion process at Aspire MRO’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, Mammoth’s modification partner. The milestone highlights the advanced performance and efficiency of the Mammoth 777- 200LRMF, which aims to redefine standards in the long-range widebody freighter segment, according to an official release from Qatar Airways Cargo.
Notably, Qatar Airways Cargo is also the second-largest operator of the Boeing 777F production freighter, after FedEx, with 28 aircraft currently in service, according to data from Planespotters.net. The B777F is based on the B777-200LR platform, the aircraft can carry a payload of up to 103 tonnes.
The company is also the launch customer for the upcoming Boeing 777-8 freighter, the cargo variant of the 777X family. It has placed an order for up to 50 of these next-generation freighters.
“This milestone is the culmination of years of dedicated engineering, collaboration, and innovation. Our mission is to deliver one of the world’s most productive and economical long-range freighters, and today’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our entire team and partners,” says Bill Tarpley, CEO, Mammoth Freighters. “We are also thrilled to announce Qatar Airways Cargo as the launch customer for our 777- 200LRMF freighter. Their commitment reflects the long-term value and capabilities this aircraft offers.”
“Witnessing the successful completion of the 777-200LRMF’s initial test flight was both exciting and reassuring,” says Jordan Jaffe, CEO, Jetran. “The aircraft exceeded expectations and reinforced our confidence in Mammoth’s engineering and conversion capabilities. We’re proud to have Qatar Airways Cargo play such a prominent role as launch customer for this groundbreaking programme and look forward to its certification and entry into service.”
Earlier in March, in a statement to The STAT Trade Times, Brian McCarthy, VP of Marketing & Sales at Mammoth Freighters, mentioned that the company is pursuing certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under one project number. The 200LR will be considered the master Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), with the 300ER STC issued as an amendment. Both aircraft are yet to receive the STC.
The Mammoth 777-200LRMF is equipped with the advanced Collins Aerospace cargo loading system, specifically designed for the 777 passenger-to-freighter market. Developed over three years of close collaboration, the system offers high parts commonality and proven operational reliability, as seen on 777 production freighters worldwide. Currently, Mammoth has seven 777-200 and -300 aircraft undergoing conversion, five at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth, Texas, and two at STS Aviation Services in Manchester, UK. The company holds firm orders for 35 freighter conversions from a diverse range of customers.
Mammoth claims that its main deck side door is larger than those on the 747- 400F, 767-300, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) 777 freighter, and all other competing 777 conversion products.
In February, Mammoth and Aspire MRO marked a major milestone with the successful installation of the main cargo door on the 777-300ERMF freighter. Avia Solutions Group (Avia AM Leasing) is the launch customer for the 777-300ERMF, through one of its AOCs, BBN Istanbul.
