Mammoth to display FAA-certified 777-200LRMF at Farnborough

Passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion specialist Mammoth Freighters will display its FAA-certified B777-200LRMF (Long Range Mammoth Freighter) for the first time at the Farnborough International Airshow, running July 20-24. The aircraft on show is the unit converted for DHL Air UK.

DHL Air UK is a UK-registered, all-cargo airline that operates for DHL Express and the wider DHL network. Wholly owned by DHL Group, it is based at East Midlands Airport.

DHL Express placed an order in April 2023 for nine Mammoth-converted 777-200LR freighters through Jetran, a Horseshoe Bay, Texas-based aircraft leasing and sales company specialising in fleet acquisition, optimisation, and passenger-to-freighter conversions. The original schedule called for the first aircraft to be delivered in 2024, with the rest following through early 2027. That timeline has since slipped, and the first delivery is now likely in 2027.

The decision to add the 777-200LRMF supports DHL Express’ broader sustainability push to modernise its long-haul intercontinental fleet, including retiring older aircraft. Converted freighters, with their comparatively shorter useful life, offer an efficient bridge between current-generation and next-generation widebody freighters such as the Boeing B777-8F and Airbus A350F.

The 777-200LRMF programme builds on the proven Boeing 777 platform, incorporating Mammoth’s proprietary conversion design. Key features include the largest main-deck cargo door in its class, a reinforced floor structure, and an advanced, flexible cargo-handling system. Combined with long-range performance and fuel efficiency, the aircraft is optimised for both long-haul and regional freight operations.

The aircraft also features Collins Aerospace's advanced cargo loading system, developed specifically for the 777 passenger-to-freighter market. Built over three years of close collaboration, the system delivers high parts commonality and operational reliability; attributes already proven on Boeing’s most reliable 777 production freighters worldwide.

Mammoth announced in April this year that it had received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the 777-200LRMF, a major milestone in the company’s expansion of next-generation widebody freighter solutions. The certification validates the aircraft’s design, engineering, and performance, clearing it for commercial service. Its combination of long-range capability, payload efficiency, and operational reliability positions the platform as a versatile solution for global cargo networks.

With certification complete, Mammoth is positioned to begin deliveries and entry into service, further strengthening its growing portfolio of P2F solutions. The company continues to advance its 777-300ERMF programme and expects FAA certification of that variant later this year.

Mammoth completed the initial test flight of its 777-200LRMF prototype freighter in April 2025. The prototype, registered N705DN, an ex-Delta Air Lines airframe, took to the skies following an extensive conversion process at Mammoth's modification partner facility, Aspire MRO, in Fort Worth, Texas. Alongside the test flight announcement, Mammoth named Qatar Airways Cargo as the launch customer for the 777-200LRMF freighter, with Qatar Airways Cargo signing an agreement with Jetran for five 777-300LRMFs.

Cargojet, the Canadian cargo carrier, was initially set to be the launch customer for Mammoth’s 777-200LRMF programme with an order for two aircraft. However, the airline abandoned the plan in 2024.

A video circulating on social media recently appears to show a converted 777-200LRMF in Qatar Airways Cargo livery flying just metres above ground, parallel to runway 17/35 at Horseshoe Bay Resort airport west of Austin, Texas. The manoeuvre appears to violate aviation rules, has drawn scrutiny, and is reportedly under FAA investigation, raising concerns over safety compliance and operational discipline.

In an official statement, Mammoth clarified that it does not own the aircraft and was not in control of it during the manoeuvre. "The current owner (which is not Qatar Airways) was in control of the aircraft at the time of the manoeuvre," the statement said. "The aircraft is in its final stages of preparation prior to delivery to Qatar Airways. While the aircraft is painted in Qatar Airways livery, it was not owned or operated by Qatar Airways, did not carry a Qatar Airways registration, and the pilots on board were not Qatar Airways pilots." Mammoth’s statement did not name Jetran, the aircraft’s owner at the time of the incident, which remains under FAA investigation.

Jetran later confirmed that N705DN was undertaking a final pre-delivery test flight ahead of handover to Qatar Airways. This was the same aircraft that flew the inaugural test flight of the 777-200LRMF P2F programme in April 2025.

Founded in December 2020, Mammoth Freighters specialises in passenger-to-freighter conversions with a focus on Boeing 777 aircraft, including the 777-200LR and 777-300ER. Its freighters are designed to deliver leading productivity, range, and economics for long-haul cargo. As a Boeing licensee, the company is building a global conversion network with seven production lines across the US and UK, with Asia-Pacific expansion planned. Backed by Fortress Investment Group, Mammoth is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, with engineering offices in California and Oregon.