DHL hands over first 777F to Kalitta

DHL Express has taken delivery of the first 777F that it will hand over to U.S.-based Kalitta Air to be operated on a CMI basis [FATs 005329-005330].

The aircraft (66083) was ferried from Paine Field (PAE) to Oscoda (OSC) on Feb. 6.

Kalitta is the third CMI operator of 777Fs owned by DHL, and is also set to operate the express integrator’s next 777F (66084), currently being painted into the full yellow livery of DHL. “Operated by Kalitta Air” is featured near the cockpit windows, like 777Fs operated on a CMI basis by other carriers for DHL.

The 777F is a relatively new platform for Kalitta Air, which only operates one on an ACMI basis for DHL. That frame (35607, ex-Emirates) was redelivered in June 2019, and is based at Leipzig (LEJ). The carrier previously told Cargo Facts it was in the process of geographic validation for ETOPS (extended operations) approval.

DHL firm-ordered fourteen 777Fs, with options for up to seven more, in July 2018. It has taken delivery of four aircraft apart from unit 66083. Two units each have been placed on a CMI basis with Atlas Air-affiliate Southern Air and AeroLogic, a 50-50 joint venture of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo.