Mammoth selects STAECO for China B777 P2F conversions

Mammoth Freighters has selected STAECO as its newest conversion MRO provider, expanding its B777-300ERMF and B777-200LRMF freighter conversion operations to Qingdao, China, following a request for proposal process. The move responds to growing demand for widebody freighter capacity in China and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Mammoth plans to open one conversion line at STAECO’s new Qingdao facility in September 2026, complementing its existing lines at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth, Texas, and STS Aviation Services in Manchester, England. The company will occupy one widebody hangar with two bays at the newly rebuilt Qingdao airport, the largest in Shandong province and a major transportation hub for the region and internationally.

The first aircraft, a B777-200LR owned by Jetran, is expected to be inducted for conversion at STAECO soon. Mammoth expects a second STAECO line to begin operations in early 2027.

"This agreement reflects Mammoth's commitment to providing operators with convenient, in-region conversion capability through a veteran conversion MRO,” said Jens Steinhagen, Mammoth Freighters’ senior vice president of programme management.

In April 2026, Mammoth received FAA certification for its 777-200LRMF (Long Range Mammoth Freighter), clearing the aircraft for commercial service. The first two 777-200LRMFs are expected to enter commercial service this fall; one with Qatar Airways and one with DHL.

Kevin Casey, President of Jetran and Spectre Air Capital, said STAECO's track record made it the clear choice. "My team and I have worked closely with STAECO since 2004 when we inducted our first of many Boeing freighter conversions, and over the past 22 years, we have developed a trust and confidence in the STAECO team unsurpassed among our strategic partners," Casey said. "We have every reason to anticipate this Boeing 777 freighter conversion programme to be every bit as successful and mutually rewarding for us and our customers."

STAECO brings significant conversion experience to the programme, including more than 100 737-800 conversions. HAECO Xiamen has committed to supporting STAECO during the Mammoth 777 startup process with 777-related expertise and personnel.

"This collaboration with Mammoth Freighters represents an exciting opportunity to expand advanced widebody freighter conversion capabilities in one of the world's fastest-growing air cargo markets," said Huang Enfang, chairman of STAECO. "This partnership brings together complementary strengths: Mammoth’s innovative freighter solution, STAECO's established conversion capabilities, and HAECO’s deep 777 engineering and maintenance expertise."

Steinhagen added: "STAECO’s proven modification experience, HAECO Xiamen’s 777-related support, and the depth of technical expertise in Qingdao provide an excellent foundation for serving our growing global customer base."

Under the agreement, STAECO will perform Mammoth’s proprietary 777 freighter modifications at its Qingdao facility, supporting cargo operators in China and across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as international customers seeking long-haul widebody freighter capacity.

Mammoth converts Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER passenger aircraft into the 777-200LRMF and 777-300ERMF freighters, giving operators the payload, range, and fuel efficiency needed for long-haul cargo operations. Following FAA certification of the 777-300ERMF, Mammoth expects to begin supplemental type certificate (STC) validation with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), supported by demand from Chinese customers. Mammoth expects CAAC validation to be complete before the first 777-300ERMF enters service in China.

Mammoth Freighters LLC was founded in December 2020 to design, develop, certify, and support passenger-to-freighter conversions, with an initial focus on the Boeing 777 platform, including both the 777-200LR and 777-300ER variants. As a Boeing licensee for the 777, the company is developing a global conversion and production network with capacity for up to nine production lines; five at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth, Texas, two at STS Aviation Services UK Limited in Manchester, England, and two at STAECO in Qingdao, China. Mammoth is backed by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, with engineering offices in Rancho Bernardo, California, and Portland, Oregon.

Mammoth Freighters will showcase its FAA-certified B777-200LRMF freighter, built for DHL Express, at the Farnborough Airshow, July 20-24.