Thai Airways joins KMC to convert B777-300ERs to freighters

Thai Airways, the flag carrier of Thailand, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kansas Modification Center (KMC) to launch the first-ever Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion programme in Southeast Asia.

The conversions of the Boeing 777-300ER will be carried out at MRO centres in Don Mueang and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand.

The move is expected to bring significant benefits to Thailand. It will facilitate a crucial technology transfer, granting local engineers access to advanced U.S. aircraft conversion expertise. Under Kansas Modification Center’s (KMC) license, the project will also support the development of a domestic aerospace parts manufacturing ecosystem. In addition to boosting the country’s technical capabilities and supply chain, the facility is also projected to create over 500 high-quality jobs in the aviation sector.

The signing ceremony took place at Thai Airways’ headquarters, led by Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, and James Allen Gibbs, CEO of KMC.

Eamsiri of Thai Airways emphasised that the project not only strengthens Thai’s operational capabilities but also supports Thailand’s broader vision of becoming a leading aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

Bong Chul Park, Chairman, KMC, added that the partnership will bring global standards to the region and help grow Thailand’s workforce and economy.

KMC’s converted freighters based on the Boeing 777-300ER are designated as B777-300ERCF. A key feature of KMC’s B777-300ERCF is the inclusion of a forward main cargo door, setting it apart in design and capability.

The B777-300ERCF boasts a maximum gross payload capacity of 205,000 lbs (92,986 kg) and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 775,000 lbs (351,534 kg).

In an earlier interview, Gibbs of KMC told The STAT Trade Times that the company currently has orders for 10 aircraft through Backbone Freighter Leasing, a division of Dr. Peters Group. The rollout is scheduled for this year, with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) expected in the second quarter of 2026.

Thai Airways currently does not operate any dedicated freighters and primarily relies on the belly cargo space of its passenger flights. The airline's fleet consists of 78 aircraft, according to data from Planespotters.net, including Airbus A320s, A330s, A350s, and Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners.

Thai Airways had once operated a fleet of six Airbus A380 aircraft, but these were retired in 2020. The decision was driven by several factors, including the airline's financial difficulties, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategic considerations related to its long-term fleet planning.

Other major conversion programmes include Mammoth Freighters, which offers the B777-200LRMF (based on the 777-200LR) and the B777-300ERMF (based on the 777-300ER), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), whose conversion of the 777-300ER is known as the B777-300ERSF, also referred to as the ‘Big Twin.’

Qatar Airways Cargo has been named the launch customer for Mammoth Freighters' 777-200LRMF. The airline has finalised an agreement with Texas-based aviation services and leasing firm Jetran, LLC, for five of the converted freighters.