Qatar Airways Cargo has been confirmed as the launch customer for Mammoth Freighters’ Boeing 777-200 conversion programme, following an agreement to acquire five of the newly converted freighters.
The announcement coincides with Mammoth’s successful completion of a milestone initial test flight of its 777-200LRMF prototype, marking a key step in the company’s passenger-to-freighter transformation project.
Qatar Airways Cargo finalized the deal for five aircraft with Jetran, a Texas-based company specializing in aircraft leasing, sales, and aviation services.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, stated, “As the launch customer of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF converted freighter, Qatar Airways Cargo proudly continues to lead global trade as the world’s largest airfreight carrier. This additional freighter capacity will be instrumental in advancing our fleet growth and expanding the premium cargo services we provide to customers worldwide. The growth of our fleet with the Mammoth 777s reflects our commitment to operating the largest freighter network and fleet in the industry.”
Mammoth confirmed that the prototype aircraft, registered as N705DN, completed its first flight after undergoing a comprehensive conversion at Aspire MRO, the company’s modification partner facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This milestone is the culmination of years of dedicated engineering, collaboration, and innovation,” said Bill Tarpley, Chief Executive of Mammoth. “Our mission is to deliver one of the world’s most productive and economical long-range freighters, and today’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our entire team and partners. We are also thrilled to announce Qatar Airways Cargo as the launch customer for our 777-200LRMF freighter. Their commitment reflects the long-term value and capabilities this aircraft offers.”
The Mammoth 777-200LRMF includes the Collins Aerospace cargo loading system, engineered specifically for the 777 passenger-to-freighter conversion market.
Currently, Mammoth is converting seven 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft: five at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth and two at STS Aviation Services in Manchester, UK. The company has firm orders for 35 freighter conversions.
DHL had previously announced plans to receive nine Mammoth 777-200 converted aircraft from Jetran, and Air Cargo News has reached out to confirm whether that arrangement has changed.
As conversion work progresses, Mammoth is also pursuing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from US aviation regulators, a process that has faced industry-wide delays.
Qatar Airways already operates 28 factory-built Boeing 777 freighters and holds firm orders for 34 of Boeing’s upcoming 777-8F model, with options for an additional 16.
Cargojet had originally been slated as Mammoth’s launch customer but withdrew from the programme due to weakening airfreight market conditions.