Eastern Airlines expands into cargo market with the launch of Eastern Air Cargo

Eastern Airlines expands into cargo market with the launch of Eastern Air Cargo 

Eastern Airlines has secured the acquisition of 35 B777 aircraft as feedstock for the first-ever P2F (Passenger to Freighter) conversion of the B777 aircraft into a true, Class-E cargo aircraft. The Eastern B777 Express Freighter is designed to serve the e-commerce express freight market. Accelerated growth of this market has created excess demand for the service.

"We are thrilled to offer this service to customers who have struggled to find capacity in the cargo market and to offer a nimble aircraft solution to serve customer needs," said Steve Harfst, Eastern Airlines president and CEO.  "This move is not just a game changer for Eastern, it will also transform the industry."

Subject to STC approvals, the Eastern B777 Express Freighter will be a fully certified cargo aircraft with a "Class-E" main deck capable of carrying a full load of volumetric express cargo non-stop between Asia and the US.  The Eastern Express Freighter will not be subject to the restrictions on cargo commodities that are imposed on conventional passenger aircraft used as freighters. 

Due to enter service in Q1 2022, the Eastern B777 Express Freighter will be first to market.  The innovative design converts the main deck cabin of the widebody B777, the -200, -200ER and -300 series, into a true cargo aircraft.  This allows the entire volume of the main deck cabin to hold low-density, express freight cargo.

"Our pioneering conversion method is tailored specifically to meet the needs of express package freight customers," said Harfst.  "It is more efficient and cost effective allowing us to better serve the exact needs of our customers at a competitive price."  Future derivative plans for the design include a palletized loading system and an Express Main Deck cargo door.

Etihad Engineering and Israel Aerospace Industries team up for P2F Conversions

 Etihad Engineering and Israel Aerospace Industries team up for P2F Conversions

Etihad Engineering has signed a strategic partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), to provide Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversions on Boeing 777-300ER’s.

In 2019, IAI and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) announced the launch of the Boeing 777-300ERSF, a programme which established a P2F conversion dubbed ‘The Big Twin’ denoting its status as the largest ever twin-engine freighter.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the aviation sector, cargo operations are offsetting operators’ losses, as it continues to play a critical role in facilitating international trade. As a result, industry forecasts show an increase in demand for wide-body freighter aircraft with long-haul capacity. 

Etihad Engineering will capitalise on their expertise and extensive capabilities for the specialised Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion. In the initial stage of the partnership, Etihad Engineering will facilitate towards two conversion lines accommodating multiple aircraft conversions per year. 

Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group said, “The Boeing 777-300ERSF is not only extremely attractive to customers but a technological breakthrough, given that it’s the first in its size category to offer extensive cargo solutions. Not only do we see the demand, but we view it as a greener, more profitable, highly innovative solution for our airline customers, and an excellent way to drive value for our business.”

Abdul Khaliq Saeed, chief executive officer, Etihad Engineering said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IAI which maximises the potential of our highly skilled workforce and reinforces Etihad Engineering’s position as a centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic vision 2030. Our commitment to the P2F programme demonstrates our confidence in the ability of IAI to deliver long-term value enhancement of the B777-300ER’s in the global fleet.”

Boaz Levy, President and CEO, Israel Aerospace Industries said, “The Abraham Accords have given IAI the opportunity to expand its global activity to the Gulf region. IAI is active in over 100 countries across the world. Establishing the conversion site in partnership with Etihad Engineering is a testament to IAI’s strong ties with the UAE and strengthens its foothold in the region. I am confident that this agreement will lead to many more partnerships with local companies in the Gulf States, which will grow our business in the region.”