AerCap Cargo Delivers First Two Boeing 777-300ERSF Passenger-to-Freighter Converted Aircraft to Kalitta Air

Rhea-AI Summary

AerCap Holdings (NYSE: AER) has delivered the first two Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft to Kalitta Air, marking a significant milestone in their conversion program. The deliveries include the prototype certification aircraft, part of a larger seven-aircraft order.

The aircraft have received certification from both the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate at a 100-tonne payload capacity. Kalitta Air, which became the launch operator in 2020, plans to begin revenue operations with both aircraft in early October 2025, as part of their strategy to replace their aging Boeing 747 freighter fleet.

Positive

• Successfully delivered first two 777-300ERSF converted freighters to launch customer
• Received dual certification from CAAI and FAA for 100-tonne payload capacity
• Secured a substantial seven-aircraft order from Kalitta Air
• Program progressing with additional deliveries scheduled in coming weeks

Negative

• None.

DUBLIN, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap" or the "Company") (NYSE: AER) today announced it has delivered the first two Boeing 777-300ERSF Passenger-to-Freighter ("P2F") converted aircraft to Kalitta Air, including the prototype certification aircraft. The aircraft, which are part of a larger seven-aircraft order, arrived at Kalitta's facility in Oscoda, Michigan on September 12 and 13, respectively.

Kalitta Air became the launch operator of the AerCap Cargo 777-300ERSF conversion program in 2020, as part of their strategy to replace their ageing Boeing 747 freighter fleet. Since then, the program has undergone extensive certification and testing with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve the aircraft to operate at a 100-tonne payload capacity.

Kalitta Air plans to place both aircraft into revenue operations in early October, with further deliveries of the aircraft taking place over the coming weeks.

"We are delighted to deliver the very first 777-300ERSF to our unwavering partner Kalitta Air, who have been with us shoulder to shoulder throughout this journey. With certification now received from both the CAAI and FAA, we are pleased to begin delivering the aircraft to our customers – a significant milestone for the program," said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap.

Connie Kalitta, CEO of Kalitta Air, said, "Kalitta Air has always embraced new technology to serve our customers, and we are proud to be the launch operator for the first 777-300ERSF. This aircraft will give us greater range and payload capability to meet growing demand in the global cargo market."

About the 777-300ERSF

This is a significant milestone in the agreement, reached in 2019, to establish the Boeing 777-300ER conversion program. The Boeing 777-300ER is the most successful widebody passenger variant in aviation history, with more than 800 delivered. The 777-300ERSF is poised to redefine the future of air freight with an impressive capacity of 100 metric tons / 220,000 pounds payload, 811 m3 / 28,640ft3, and can significantly lower operating costs versus in-service widebody freighters. This innovation positions the aircraft as a game-changer in the evolving global freighter market. As it enters service and replaces ageing 747F, the 777-300ERSF contributes to the decarbonization effort of air cargo by reducing CO2 emission by 20%.

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Memphis, Miami, Singapore, London, Dubai, Shanghai, Amsterdam and other locations around the world.

About Kalitta Air

Kalitta Air, LLC is a U.S.–based all-cargo airline headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Operating a worldwide fleet of Boeing 747 and 777 freighters, the company provides scheduled and on-demand cargo services to destinations across six continents. Kalitta Air supports customers ranging from major express carriers and freight forwarders to the U.S. government and military. With decades of experience, a global operations team, and a commitment to safety, reliability, and on-time performance, Kalitta Air is recognized as one of the industry's leading providers of international air-freight solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "will," "aim," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the availability of capital to us and to our customers and changes in interest rates; the ability of our lessees and potential lessees to make lease payments to us; our ability to successfully negotiate flight equipment (which includes aircraft, engines and helicopters) purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to repossess flight equipment under defaulted leases, and to control costs and expenses; changes in the overall demand for commercial aviation leasing and aviation asset management services; the continued impacts of the Ukraine Conflict, including the resulting sanctions by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other countries, on our business and results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; the effects of terrorist attacks on the aviation industry and on our operations; the economic condition of the global airline and cargo industry and economic and political conditions; the impact of hostilities in the Middle East, or any escalation thereof, on the aviation industry or our business; trade tensions, including U.S. tariffs and retaliatory measures by some countries, and the resulting geopolitical uncertainty; development of increased government regulation, including travel restrictions, sanctions, regulation of trade and the imposition of import and export controls, tariffs and other trade barriers; a downgrade in any of our credit ratings; competitive pressures within the industry; regulatory changes affecting commercial flight equipment operators, flight equipment maintenance, engine standards, accounting standards and taxes; and disruptions and security breaches affecting our information systems or the information systems of our third-party providers.

As a result, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. These and other important factors and risks are discussed in AerCap's annual report on Form 20-F and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aercap-cargo-delivers-first-two-boeing-777-300ersf-passenger-to-freighter-converted-aircraft-to-kalitta-air-302555804.html

SOURCE AerCap Holdings N.V.

FAQ

What is the significance of AerCap's first Boeing 777-300ERSF delivery to Kalitta Air?

The delivery marks a major milestone as the first two aircraft from AerCap's passenger-to-freighter conversion program, including the prototype certification aircraft, with Kalitta Air as the launch operator.

When will Kalitta Air begin operations with the new Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft?

Kalitta Air plans to begin revenue operations with both aircraft in early October 2025.

How many Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft did Kalitta Air order from AerCap?

Kalitta Air has ordered seven Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft from AerCap.

What certifications has the AerCap 777-300ERSF received?

The aircraft has received certification from both the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate at a 100-tonne payload capacity.

Why is Kalitta Air adding the Boeing 777-300ERSF to its fleet?

Kalitta Air is adding the 777-300ERSF as part of their strategy to replace their aging Boeing 747 freighter fleet and to gain greater range and payload capability to meet growing demand in the global cargo market.