Turkish Airlines to Add Two Converted Freighters by 2027
The airline will integrate new Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft to increase cargo capacity for its global logistics operations.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Transportation
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AerCap will lease two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighter aircraft to Turkish Airlines. The conversion work for these planes is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters
This agreement provides Turkish Airlines with additional cargo capacity while strengthening AerCap’s regional conversion platform in the Middle East. It highlights the growing reliance on converted freighter models to meet international logistics demand.
AerCap is leasing two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighter aircraft to Turkish Airlines. This adds to a portfolio that includes prior leases for the same aircraft type with Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern Group.
The players
AerCap
The world’s largest independent aircraft leasing company by fleet size, which manages a global portfolio of commercial aircraft.
Turkish Airlines
A global flag carrier airline operating an extensive international network of passenger and cargo services.
Etihad Engineering
A major provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services based in Abu Dhabi.
The details
The Boeing 777-300ERSF model undergoes a specialized modification process to transform passenger aircraft into dedicated cargo freighters. By utilizing the Etihad Engineering maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Abu Dhabi, AerCap secures a regional conversion hub. This setup streamlines the modification timeline for aircraft destined for EMEA-based carriers.
Timeline
September 2025: AerCap delivered its first Boeing 777-300ERSF to Kalitta Air.
March 2027: The earliest scheduled delivery window for the Turkish Airlines aircraft.
September 2027: The latest scheduled delivery window for the Turkish Airlines aircraft.
Market Landscape
This move follows the industry trend of major carriers adopting the Boeing 777-300ERSF as the standard platform for converted freighter operations. It reinforces the role of regional MRO providers like Etihad Engineering in supporting the global transition of passenger jets into cargo configurations.
Logistics operators should monitor the availability of converted wide-body freighter capacity as these models enter service through 2027. Businesses relying on air cargo should prepare for potential shifts in regional freight rates as airlines increase their heavy-lift capabilities.
The takeaway
The deployment of the 777-300ERSF marks a strategic shift toward more efficient, large-capacity conversion models for global cargo fleets. Operators should track the delivery timelines of these aircraft to assess future shifts in air freight supply and pricing power.
Further reading
For broader trends in logistics fleet management, review recent developments in Transportation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stattimes.
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