Mammoth Freighters has conducted the first flight of its maiden Boeing 777-200LRMF converted freighter. The prototype a former Delta Air Lines jet, N705DN (c/n 29742), made its first post-conversion flight on May 1 from Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Texas.

Confirmation of the successful 1hr 48min test flight came coupled with an announcement that Qatar Airways is set to be the launch customer for the 777-200LRMF, signing an agreement with lessor Jetran for five examples.

Mammoth Freighters’ 777-300ER and 777-200LR freighter conversion programmes were launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when demand for air cargo was at its peak. The company has partnered with Aspire MRO at Fort Worth Alliance Airport and with STS Aviation Services at its Manchester, UK facility.

Currently, five 777s are under conversion with Aspire MRO in Texas, including four ex-Delta Air Lines examples: N701DN (c/n 29740), N705DN, N709DN (c/n 40559), N710DN (c/n 40560). STS Aviation Services is understood to be working on another two aircraft, among them another former Delta jet, N703DN (c/n 32222).

Mammoth Freghters has thus far received orders and commitments for 35 conversions across its 777-300ER and 777-200LR programmes, with DHL Air, Saudia and lessor Jetran having been named as confirmed customers.

The company had aimed for its first conversion to have been certified and delivered by the end of 2023 but this has now slipped to the end of 2025.