Challenge Group has officially added its first Boeing 777-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion to its operational fleet, enhancing the company’s capability to manage complex and high-value shipments. The aircraft, registered as 9H-CAZ, was converted in January 2026 through a partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and represents a key milestone in Challenge’s 777-300ERSF (Extended Range Special Freighter) programme launched in May 2025.
According to fleet tracking platform Planespotters, the 18-year-old aircraft officially joined Challenge’s operations last month, offering nearly 100 tons of payload capacity per flight. The addition significantly expands Challenge’s ability to transport sensitive and oversized shipments, including pharmaceuticals, live animals, and other specialized cargo.
“With the addition of Boeing 777–300 ERSF to the Challenge Group fleet, Challenge Handling is ready to handle a new level of cargo operations at Liege Airport,” the company noted on LinkedIn. “More capacity means more opportunities to support complex shipments with efficiency and care.”
Expansion plans and fleet growth
Challenge Group has ambitious plans for the 777-300ER conversions. Data indicates that five additional conversions are scheduled for delivery, with the original programme allowing four conversions and options for an additional four aircraft.
The company had also secured a deal with AerCap in January 2025 to add two 777-300ERSFs converted by IAI to its fleet. Furthermore, in October 2025, Challenge signed an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement with Kalitta Air to operate one of its 777-300ERSFs.
Recent reports from Cargo Facts indicate that Challenge is also acquiring two additional ex-Jet Airways 777-300ERs for future conversion, potentially bringing the total number of 777-300ERSFs in its fleet to more than ten.
Existing fleet and operational capabilities
Challenge Group currently operates a mixed fleet of widebody freighters, including six Boeing 747-400s—one of which is a P2F conversion—and four 767-300P2Fs. The addition of the 777-300ERSF strengthens its strategic position at Liege Airport, supporting both high-capacity and complex cargo operations across Europe and international markets.
By expanding its 777-300ERSF fleet, Challenge aims to capitalize on growing demand for large and specialized cargo shipments, offering operators and logistics partners more flexible and efficient transport solutions.
