Turkish Airlines is to add two converted Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters under lease agreements with AerCap, extending the carrier’s planned dedicated cargo capacity as it builds on an existing fleet of 777Fs.
The two passenger-to-freighter aircraft are scheduled for delivery between March and September 2027. Before entering Turkish Airlines’ fleet, both aircraft will undergo conversion at the Etihad Engineering maintenance, repair and overhaul hub in Abu Dhabi.
Additional capacity from converted aircraft
The aircraft will join 12 Boeing 777Fs already operated by Turkish Airlines, according to fleet data from Planespotters. The agreement therefore adds converted widebody freighters to a carrier that already has an established dedicated freighter operation, rather than introducing Turkish Airlines to the aircraft type.
| Aircraft | Lessee | Lessor | Conversion location | Delivery window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Boeing 777-300ERSF | Turkish Airlines | AerCap | Etihad Engineering, Abu Dhabi | March–September 2027 |
Peter Anderson, AerCap’s chief commercial officer, said the lessor was pleased to continue its relationship with Turkish Airlines. He linked the aircraft with extra cargo capacity and highlighted the performance capabilities of the 777-300ERSF.
“We are delighted to continue supporting our long-standing partner, Turkish Airlines, with the addition of two Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft to its fleet.”
Anderson also described the Abu Dhabi facility as a regional platform for the programme, allowing the aircraft to be converted in the Middle East before delivery. The conversion work is being carried out through Etihad Engineering’s partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), established in 2021 to provide passenger-to-freighter conversions for Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Conversion programme expands
IAI received a Supplemental Type Certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration in August for its Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion programme, following certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel. The certification framework supports the conversion of passenger aircraft into freighters for operators and lessors.
AerCap delivered the first two converted Boeing 777 freighters to launch operator Kalitta Air in the following month. The lessor has since delivered 777-300ERSFs to Fly Meta and has signed further lease agreements involving Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern Group.
For AerCap, the Turkish Airlines transaction adds another operator to the programme’s customer base. For Turkish Airlines, the planned aircraft provide additional freighter capacity within an existing 777 operation, with the deliveries spread across 2027 rather than arriving as a single fleet change.
- Two Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft will be leased by Turkish Airlines from AerCap.
- Conversion work will take place at Etihad Engineering’s MRO hub in Abu Dhabi.
- Deliveries are planned between March and September 2027.
