6 conversion programs expect certification in 2024

Six freighter conversion programs expect certification this year as the industry moves away from older freighters and prepares for the next chapter of conversions that will usher in an era of lift capacity. In the widebody segment, IAI, Mammoth Freighters and Kansas Modification Center are working on certifying 777 freighter conversions. C Cubed and Embraer will introduce two more narrowbody conversion types this year, while Taby Air Maintenance plans to integrate its Saab 2000 freighter conversion into the regional freighter segment. Here are the six companies seeking certification for their freighter conversion programs this year. [caption id="attachment_56866875" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Mammoth is one of three companies expecting to certify a 777 conversion. (Courtesy/Mammoth Freighters)[/caption] 1. IAI IAI continues to set the pace for 777 freighter conversions having now completed at least two 777-300ERSFs, and it could be the first to receive approval. The company started its flight tests in October with the 2005-vintage prototype (32789, ex-Emirates) and brought its sister unit (32785) to the Dubai Airshow in November. 2. Mammoth Freighters Mammoth Freighters, which began its 777-200LRMF program in 2021, is nearing completion on the first two 777-200LRs for its launch customer, Canada-based Cargojet . The two units (29742 and 40560) are being converted at the Aspire MRO facility in Fort Worth, Texas (AFW), as is the first of nine units under a 2023 deal between DHL and Jetran . Mammoth told Cargo Facts that it expects the program to obtain approval this year. The company has also started working on its first 777-300ERMF conversion . 3. Kansas Modification Center (KMC) KMC partnered with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) in September 2020 to launch the 777-300ERCF conversion program. The group is finalizing the compliance guidelines with the FAA, including guidance on the newer fatigue regulations implemented in mid-2023 for all 777 conversion projects, NIAR told Cargo Facts . The FAA accepted the Project Specific Certification Plan for the 777-300ERCF in May 2023 after KMC and NIAR started testing a full-scale mock-up of the large cargo door . KMC has received commitments from launch customer Backbone Freighter Leasing for three 777-300ERCFs with an option for seven more. 4. C Cubed Aerospace San Diego-based C Cubed Aerospace fully converted its first A320-200CCF and began post-conversion ground tests in December. With its 2001-vintage prototype (1523, ex-Sky Airline) with V2500 engines completing touch labor at the Alta Aero Technic facility in Kansas City, Mo. (MCI), C Cubed will soon become the second STC holder for an A320 conversion program. C Cubed expects to begin its first A321-200CCF conversion this year as the company finalizes certification for the A320-200CCF. 5. Embraer Embraer rolled out its E190F conversion prototype in November and is targeting redelivery by the second quarter after regulatory approval. The 2010-vintage aircraft (19000360, ex-Avianca El Salvador) arrived at Embraer’s facility in Sao Jose dos Campos (SJK) in February, with the cargo door and 9G barrier installed by October. 6. Taby Air Maintenance (TAM) Sweden-based TAM announced a conversion for the Saab 2000 at the beginning of 2022. The company finished converting the 1996-vintage prototype (37, ex-Eastern Airlines) in 2023 and has been testing the aircraft. Its first flight was in March. Launch customer Jetstream Aviation Capital and Taby had expected EASA certification by the end of 2023 and FAA validation by the end of the first quarter of 2024, Jetstream told Cargo Facts in late 2023. That timeline appears to have been delayed. Cargo Facts EMEA 2024, the essential event for stakeholders in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will take place Feb. 5-7 in Amsterdam. Learn more and register now.

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