IAI clears 777-300ERSF to carry Trent 1000, but STC approval lags
In its statement to The STAT Trade Times, an IAI spokesperson said the 777-300ERSF is in the final stages of certification, with STC approval expected in the next several weeks.;
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has given the green light for its 777-300ERSF freighter—nicknamed the ‘Big Twin’—to transport the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, marking a significant milestone in air cargo capability. Developed by the UK-based aerospace giant Rolls-Royce, the Trent 1000 powers the Boeing 787 fleet and is known for its sheer size and complexity. With IAI’s approval, the 777-300ERSF becomes only the second aircraft type authorized to carry this massive engine, joining the Boeing 747 freighter in a very exclusive club.
In an official statement to The STAT Trade Times, a spokesperson for IAI explained the reason behind the approval of this engine type: “All 777 engines can fit in the IAI777-300ERSF main deck (one engine), which was one of the basic ground rules for the IAI777-300ERSF development. IAI received requests from customers to look into the feasibility of carrying other engine types in the IAI777-300ERSF. IAI managed to support all requests, including the Trent 1000 option. After reviewing all aspects of carrying a Trent 1000 in the IAI777-300ERSF main deck, IAI found it acceptable and could offer customers this option.”
Notably, the engine, designed for the Boeing 787 family, is substantially large, with a base length of approximately 186.5 inches and a fan diameter of around 112 inches. The Trent 1000, particularly the TEN (Thrust, Efficiency, and New Technology) variant, is capable of producing up to 78,000 pounds of thrust.
In the same category, the other engine option for the Boeing 787 family comes from American engine manufacturer GE, which offers the GEnx engine. It has a base length of 184.7 inches and a fan diameter of 111.1 inches. The GEnx-1B76 variant is capable of producing up to 76,100 pounds of takeoff thrust.
The capability to transport the Trent 1000 engine will certainly give IAI’s 777-300ERSF freighter a competitive edge in the market.
When asked about the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certification for the 777-300ERSF programme and the order status, the spokesperson mentioned that: “The certification process for the 777-300ERSF is in its final stages with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We hope to receive STC within the next several weeks. So far, IAI has received approximately 60 orders for conversions.”
Previously, the company had mentioned that it expected to receive the CAAI and FAA STC approvals at the beginning of May 2025.
IAI recently achieved a significant milestone in its Airbus A330-300BDSF programme by successfully completing the main cargo door cutting.
The Airbus A330-300BDSF is a next-generation, medium-size freighter converted by IAI, offering a competitive, cutting-edge solution for cargo operators seeking to expand and modernise their widebody fleets.
“Our prototype, the A330-300BDSF, is in the advanced stage. All floor beams have been replaced. We cut the door on July 17. We are expected to get our CAAI and FAA STC by mid-2026,” said the spokesperson.