The B777-300ERSF has a payload of almost 100 tons and Challenge Group says it will be used to develop strategic trade lanes and global manufacturing hubs.
It is being registered with a Maltese AOC and Challenge Group’s teams are working alongside the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate to integrate the aircraft into the operating certificate.
New pilots are being trained and recruited to fly the type of aircraft.
Launching the B777-300ERSF programme follows the success of Challenge Group’s Boeing 767-300BDSFs conversion programme, which was completed last year.
Yossi Shoukroun, CEO of Challenge Group said: “With the purchase of our very first Boeing 777-300ERSF, which has already been successfully relocated from its previous owner to the IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) conversion plant in Tel Aviv, we are ready to embark on an exciting new journey, giving this passenger aircraft a second life in the world of trade.”
Challenge Group plans to convert another three B777-300s under the programme with the option for another four.
Shoukroun said Challenge Group could operate ten B777-300ERSFs in the next five years.