Turkish 777 freighter capacity is set to expand through an aircraft-leasing agreement announced October 29 by AerCap. The aviation lessor said it signed leases covering two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted cargo aircraft for Turkish Airlines, with deliveries scheduled between March and September 2027.
The jets will be converted from passenger use at Etihad Engineering’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Abu Dhabi. The agreement is a confirmed leasing commitment with future deliveries, not an announcement that the airline already has the two aircraft in service or that conversion is complete.
Table of Contents
Turkish 777 Freighter Lease and Delivery Timing
AerCap identified the aircraft as 777-300ERSF conversions, a freighter program based on Boeing’s long-range widebody passenger airframe. A conversion replaces much of the passenger cabin with cargo-handling equipment and incorporates structural and system changes required for freight operations.
A leased aircraft differs from a new freighter directly ordered from an airframe manufacturer. The October 29 agreement concerns the transfer of operating rights under a lease when the converted aircraft become available. AerCap did not disclose lease pricing or say that a separate Boeing production order had been placed.
The March-to-September 2027 delivery period allows for conversion and handover activity. It is a projected window, not a confirmed operating timetable. Turkish Airlines would separately determine when the aircraft enter service, which routes they fly and how they are integrated into cargo operations.
The original announcement and its qualification details can be read in the primary source.
Abu Dhabi Conversion Program and Industry Demand
AerCap said the work will take place at the Etihad Engineering MRO hub in Abu Dhabi. The Middle East facility gives the lessor a regional location for carrying out major aircraft modifications before handover to customers. It also illustrates the role of specialist maintenance businesses in passenger-to-freighter conversion programs.
The company reported that the 777-300ERSF program delivered its first converted freighter to Kalitta Air in September 2025, followed by further delivery and leasing activity. That background supports the program’s commercial progress but does not establish performance figures for Turkish Airlines’ future aircraft.
Cargo carriers need to match fleet capacity with shipment types, route distances and demand. A widebody conversion can offer a way to introduce additional long-haul freight capacity without buying a newly built freighter. Operators still evaluate maintenance, economics and operational requirements for the specific aircraft.
For related reporting, see TAD’s earlier article, Boeing Freighter Forecast Sees 4,010 Cargo Jets by 2045. That separate development provides context and should not be confused with the announcement reported here.
What the Agreement Does Not Establish
AerCap described its long relationship with Turkish Airlines and expected additional capacity once the two aircraft are delivered. It did not publish a new international cargo route, a dedicated crew-training schedule or freight-volume forecasts attributable to these particular jets.
The aircraft type designation is important. A 777-300ERSF is a passenger-to-freighter conversion, not a 777-8F or other newly manufactured production freighter. Confusing the programs can lead to incorrect assumptions about order books, timelines and specifications.
The agreement connects aircraft leasing, engineering conversion and cargo-network expansion. For TAD readers, the concrete milestone is the signed lease for two aircraft and the planned conversion location; subsequent commercial deployment will be separate news.
FAQ: Turkish 777 freighter
How many Turkish 777 freighter conversions were leased?
AerCap announced leases for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted aircraft.
When are the aircraft scheduled for delivery?
The lessor expects delivery between March and September 2027.
Where will conversion take place?
AerCap identified Etihad Engineering’s MRO facility in Abu Dhabi as the conversion site.
Looking Ahead
Conversion progress, aircraft acceptance and subsequent cargo deployment will determine the actual operational timeline. No initial Turkish Airlines route assignment for these two converted freighters was confirmed in the leasing announcement.
Sources
