Mammoth Freighters is building up its maintenance network as it progresses toward FAA certification of its Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions. The U.S.-based cargo conversion company has designated MTU Maintenance as its preferred engine maintenance partner for the Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER P2F conversion programs it is building up.

Under a recently signed cooperation and support agreement, MTU Maintenance will provide scheduled and unscheduled GE90-110/-115B engine maintenance, on- and off-wing support, engine leasing, engine trend monitoring, and engine ground support equipment needs and requirements for Mammoth Freighters.

According to Bill Tarpley, co-CEO of Mammoth Freighters, the performance and fuel efficiency of GE90-110/-115B engines is a major selling point of its P2F conversions. He adds that MTU’s “highly customized support” will enhance Mammoth’s conversion program offering.

“Teaming with MTU will enable our customers to access world-class GE90-110/-115B engine technical support and cost-effective solutions for both the conversion process and following the delivery of our aircraft,” says Tarpley.

Mammoth announced its first maintenance partner in late September after launching its P2F conversion programs earlier that month. The cargo conversion specialist plans to partner with at least three MROs to perform the conversions, but the first will be GDC Technics in Forth Worth, Texas, where Mammoth will establish a 777 cargo conversion program.

The 840,000 ft.² GDC Technics facility features six widebody hangar bays for modification and maintenance work. “By partnering with GDC, our Mammoth 777-200LR and -300ER freighter conversions and support initiative will be centrally located in the U.S. in a facility designed specifically for 777-200/-300 aircraft and with a skilled labor force in place,” said Tarpley at the time of the announcement.

Mammoth initially plans to have two conversion facilities in the U.S. but expects to eventually move into the Asia-Pacific region. It is also considering potential locations in the EMEA region.

Mammoth is currently developing supplemental type certificates for its 777 P2F conversions, which it expects to achieve in the second half of 2023. Thereafter, it plans to pursue EASA and CAAC certification.