Air Atlanta, Fly Meta, and Hungary Airlines team up on 777-300ERSF

Air Atlanta, Fly Meta, and Hungary Airlines have announced a landmark partnership focused on the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) 777-300ERSF aircraft, marking a major step toward advancing cross-border e-commerce and regional air cargo connectivity.

Under the new agreement, Fly Meta will deliver its first 777-300ERSF in November 2025, operated by Air Atlanta and wet-leased to Hungary Airlines. The aircraft will be based in Budapest and serve dedicated routes to Mainland China and Hong Kong, creating a fast, stable, and cost-efficient cargo bridge between Asia and Europe.

The second 777-300ERSF is scheduled to join the operation in the first half of 2026. This forthcoming addition will further strengthen the cooperation and the long-term partnership between all three key stakeholders. The 777-300ERSF, also known as the ‘Big Twin,’ is the largest twin-engine passenger-to-freighter conversion in the world, offering exceptional efficiency, payload capacity, and cargo volume. The aircraft combines proven reliability, fuel efficiency, and extended range with advanced freighter capabilities.

“As one of the world’s leading Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) and charter operators, Air Atlanta is proud to extend its partnership with Fly Meta and welcome Hungary Airlines into this collaboration. With our proven experience in managing widebody freighters in the world’s fast-paced global marketplace, we will ensure the highest operational standards, safety, and efficiency, supporting the growth of this new Central and Eastern European hub,” says Baldvin M. Hermannsson, CEO, Air Atlanta.

Fly Meta has, since 2022, positioned the 777-300ERSF as the core of its freighter fleet, securing aircraft through long-term lease agreements with AerCap to build long-term and reliable capacity. Focused on digitalisation, AI-driven solutions, and innovative asset management, the airline is redefining what it means to be a ‘next-generation carrier.’

Air Atlanta, a major player in ACMI and charter operations, has been a trusted partner of Fly Meta since 2023, operating two 747-400Fs that established regular China–Europe services. Hungary Airlines, Hungary’s national flag carrier, received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) at the end of 2024 and has swiftly become the only widebody freighter operator in Central and Eastern Europe. Leveraging Budapest’s strategic location, the airline is fast emerging as a key regional cargo hub.

Notably, AerCap is the launch customer for the 777-300ERSF conversion programme. The aircraft recently made its first commercial flight for DHL Express, operated by Kalitta Air, the launch operator of the 777-300ERSF, flying as K4510 from Cincinnati to Atlanta on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

IAI received the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the 777-300ERSF from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) in September this year.