Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed a successful demonstration of its Boeing 777-300ERSF’s ability to carry large aircraft engines, marking a milestone in the aircraft’s operational versatility.
In a recent trial, IAI loaded a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine — the powerplant for Boeing 787 aircraft — through the freighter’s maindeck cargo door and secured it in its final position using the Collins Powered Cargo Loading System (CLS). The operation confirmed the aircraft’s capability to handle multiple large-engine types, including the GE90 and Trent 700, in addition to the Trent 1000.
The 777-300ERSF, also known as the “Big Twin,” offers a maximum payload capacity of 100 tonnes and is designed to transport outsized and high-value cargo alongside standard freight. The new engine-loading capability significantly enhances its appeal to operators requiring specialised heavy-lift transport solutions.
Boaz Levy, president and chief executive of IAI, said the trial results highlight the company’s engineering innovation and its commitment to meeting future cargo market requirements.
“This achievement exemplifies how the B777-300ERSF will offer customers an outstanding airborne transportation solution. We thank the exceptional personnel in IAI’s Aviation Group for a successful trial that addresses the evolving needs of the global passenger-to-freighter conversion market,” Levy stated.
Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, described the development as a major step in advancing the 777-300ERSF programme’s technical capabilities.
“We are proud to offer our customers the most advanced and innovative solutions, setting a best-in-class standard in the global air cargo transportation market,” he said.
The 777-300ERSF is the first passenger-to-freighter conversion programme for the Boeing 777-300ER. The inaugural aircraft, converted for leasing giant AerCap, completed its first flight in March 2023.
IAI’s main competitor in this segment, Mammoth Freighters, is on track to complete its first 777-300ERMF conversion by the end of 2025.
Industry analysts point to a sharp increase in demand for 777-300ER conversions, driven partly by the impending closure of the 777 production line. However, market intelligence firm IBA notes that the availability of suitable feedstock aircraft remains a challenge.
Neither the IAI nor the Mammoth programme has yet secured regulatory certification for commercial operations, but industry observers expect approvals to follow as demand for long-haul, high-payload freighters continues to climb.
