GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) delivered a Boeing 777-300ER to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv for the prototype passenger-to-freighter conversion on June 4.

GECAS expects the prototype conversion to take three years—from the program’s start in October 2019 to achieving Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval. Subsequent conversions should average four to five months, the lessor said. 

Entry into service is targeted for 2022.

The conversion involves adding a 146.5-in. by 120 in. main deck cargo door, freighter lining, window plugs, a modified crew compartment and a 9G rigid cargo barrier. This increases the maximum zero fuel weight to allow for 220,000 lbs. of payload.

Neither GECAS nor IAI disclosed the conversion cost.

GECAS, the launch customer and co-founder of the program, has committed 15 firm orders and 15 options for the converted 777-300ER.

The lessor says the GE90-powered 777-3000ERSF provides 21% lower fuel burn per tonne than the 747-400F.

The prototype aircraft for the conversion, MSN 32789, was delivered to Emirates Airlines on March 30, 2005.