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Challenge Group to lease B777-300ERSFs from AerCap

Challenge Group has ordered two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters, making it the first European operator of this aircraft type.

The Big Twins will be leased from AerCap and the milestone was announced at a press conference on Friday 17 January.

The press conference at Challenge Group’s Malta Head Office was attended by the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela; Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett; Challenge Group’s founders and owners Offer Gilboa and Eshel Heffetz, and other guests including Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Transport Malta, and Charles Pace, Director General of the Civil Aviation Directorate.

Yossi Shoukroun, CEO of Challenge Group, says, “The registration of the first-ever Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters in Europe under the 9H AOC is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. These aircraft, with their unparalleled capabilities, will enable us to meet the growing demands of global trade and reinforce our position as a key enabler in the supply chain.”

The announcement comes after a busy 2024 when Challenge Group expanded its fleet to 10 aircraft, completed its 767 conversion programme, operated over 4,000 flights, transported more than 200,000 tonnes of cargo and obtained CEIV Lithium Batteries certificate.

Challenge Group expanded its network with flights to Milan, Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi and Nairobi.