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DHL reveals first Mammoth 777-200 freighter conversion and confirms 13 aircraft ordered

DHL has has unveiled its first 777-200 converted freighter from Mammoth Freighters and confirmed its order for 13 of the type in total. The 777-200LRMF (Long Range Mammoth Freighter) has been on display at the UK's Farnborough International Airshow this week, and DHL said four of the 13 aircraft are planned to enter service this year. These 777-200LRMFs will join DHL Express' global air network as part of long-term fleet modernisation plans. The first aircraft has been placed with DHL Air UK. The aircraft displayed at Farnborough was converted in Manchester and the modification work included the installation of a large main-deck cargo door and advanced cargo handling systems. However, the original airframes and engines were retained. Tom Mackle, managing director, DHL Air (UK), said: "Being one of the first customers and first operator of the Boeing 777-200LR Mammoth Freighter conversion aircraft provides our customers with enhanced delivery capability. "The aircraft, placed with our UK airline, adds to our already tremendous operational reputation and technical expertise. It is a significant enhancement to our long-haul network capability. "The investment in people and growth in infrastructure reinforces our commitment to operating a modern, flexible fleet that delivers a highly reliable service and advances our broader sustainability ambitions. "We are pleased to be working alongside Mammoth Freighters and partners as we move towards service introduction within the DHL Express network." Mammoth Freighters received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 777-200LRMF in April. The certification enabled Mammoth to begin aircraft deliveries to launch customer Qatar Airways Cargo, which has an agreement for five of the aircraft with Texas-based lessor, Jetran.

MSC Air Cargo places order for 777-8 freighters

MSC Air Cargo has been confirmed as the latest carrier to order the Boeing 777-8F next-generation freighter with the aircraft due to start delivery in the early 2030s. Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the airline announced it would order five of the aircraft as part of its "ambitious" growth strategy. The order had appeared on Boeing's orderbook report in December as coming from an unidentified customer. "The addition of five 777-8 Freighters will strengthen its long-haul capacity and support the continued development of its network in the decade ahead," the airline said in a press release. MSC Air Cargo launched operations in 2022 and since then has expanded its fleet to seven Boeing 777-200 Freighters serving strategic gateways across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Jannie Davel, chief executive of MSC Air Cargo, said: "With this order, we are investing in the long-term future of MSC Air Cargo and in the customers we serve. "The 777-8 Freighter gives us the efficiency, range and capacity to serve our customers reliably for years to come, while advancing our commitment to more sustainable operations. It is the right aircraft for the next stage of our growth." The airline added that the order also signals its confidence in long-haul demand well into the next decade, and its intent to keep investing in capacity. Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, said: "With the order of five new, large widebody freighter aircraft, MSC Air Cargo is investing in its future and will further enhance the capability and reach of its global air network. "The 777-8F is the most efficient aircraft in its class and will connect MSC Air Cargo's hubs to key international markets." The order from MSC is the second announced for the freighter in recent weeks. In late June, China Southern Air Cargo became the first Chinese carrier to order the model when it announced a deal for five of the aircraft, with options to purchase three more. The China Southern order was the first for the 777-8F from a named customer since November 2025, when China Airlines confirmed to Air Cargo News that it would expand its order for 777-8F aircraft by four units to a total of eight. According to the latest order and delivery update from Boeing and Airbus, the Airbus A350F has more orders than the Boeing 777-8F, with a total of 107 confirmed orders compared with 81 for Boeing. However, Boeing's latest update lists the MSC order as having come from an unidentified customer. MSC Air Cargo is the third Europe-based air cargo operator to order the airplane. Meanwhile, Cargolux recently announced the purchase of four Boeing 747 freighters from China Southern in part because of delays to the Boeing 777-8F programme. The exact timeline of entry into service of the 777-8F depends on Boeing gaining certification for the 777-9 model, which will be the first of the 777X family to enter service and open the way for other models in the family to follow suit. Boeing had initially hoped to start delivering the aircraft to customers in 2027 but this has now been officially pushed back into 2028.

News in Brief Podcast | Week 30 2026 | Transpac, terminals and air cargo contracts

This week on News in Brief, we unpack the latest wave of US tariffs on Canada and Brazil and what they mean for global supply chains. Gavin van Marle explains why transpacific shipping is entering uncharted territory, explores the latest developments in ports and terminal operators - from Santos to the Panama Canal - and examines how carriers are keeping rates resilient despite ongoing overcapacity concerns. We also speak to Neutral Air Partner CEO Christos Spyrou about the changing dynamics of air freight contracts, the growing influence of SME forwarders and the impact of US tariffs on air cargo. All this and more in less than 25 minutes!