Kansas Modification Center (KMC) has announced the inaugural order from Backbone Freighter Leasing for its B777-300ERCF passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion programme.
KMC, in partnership with Dr Peters Group, Wichita State University’s (WSU) National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and NIAR WERX, made the announcement at Aviation Week’s MRO Americas 2022 event.
Backbone Freighter Leasing will place three firm orders for converted freighters with deliveries in 2024 and 2025, and options for seven additional conversions in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The order and options total over $300m.
Backbone Freighter Leasing, a new aircraft leasing platform specializing in B777-300ER P2Fs, is sponsored by German investment house Dr Peters Group, a fund originator, servicer and aircraft asset manager with an investment track record totaling $3.37bn in 19 aircraft investments, including Airbus A380 passenger aircraft.
Backbone Freighter Leasing will acquire B777-300ER passenger aircraft, have these passenger aircraft converted to freighters, and offer them to the market.
NIAR WERX in Wichita is providing the engineering, certification and modifications for the aircraft conversion program. Part of the work is being done at NIAR WERX’s MRO.
Scheduled for FAA Supplemental Type Certificate approval in the second quarter of 2024 and subsequent validation and certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency, the 777-300ERCF P2F will support growing demand for air cargo capacity.
With its large main deck cargo door, newly integrated aluminum floor beams, cargo handling system options, perishable goods carriage capability and 25 percent more volume than the production line B777F, the 777-300ERCF will provide versatility for both higher density and high-volume cargo operators.
The anticipated low empty weight for the 777-300ERCF P2F conversion will enable a unique set of capabilities for converted freighter aircraft. With the lowest fuel consumption amongst its peers, the aircraft is environmentally friendly compared to other alternatives.
“I am privileged to announce this initial order from Backbone,” said Jim Gibbs, president and CEO of KMC. “We are excited they have chosen to invest with our team.”
This announcement comes on the heels of additional news from KMC and WSU-NIAR WERX. Last week, the State of Kansas committed $35m in funding over the next five years to WSU for use in its NIAR WERX MRO program.
KMC also announced production of the first replacement parts in partnership with Dynamic NCfor the initial B777-300 ERCF conversion already underway. NIAR WERX has also commenced flight tests for the aircraft that is currently being converted.
