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The US-based MRO service provider Mammoth Freighters has announced the expansion of its conversion operations for Boeing 777 freighters to Qingdao, China. The company has selected STAECO as the new provider for the conversions after conducting a bidding process. This expansion is driven by the increasing demand for freighter capacity in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Mammoth plans to open a conversion line at the new STAECO facility in Qingdao in September 2026. This will complement Mammoth’s existing conversion lines at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth, Texas, and STS Aviation Services UK Limited in Manchester, United Kingdom. Mammoth will utilize a large hangar with two bays at the newly constructed Qingdao airport, which is regarded as the largest airport in Shandong province and an important transportation hub for the region as well as internationally.
The first aircraft, a 777-200LR owned by Jetran, is expected to arrive for conversion at STAECO in the fall of 2026. The second conversion line at STAECO is scheduled to become operational in early 2027. Jens Steinhagen, Senior Vice President of Program Management at Mammoth Freighters, commented on the partnership:
“We are very excited to work with STAECO to bring the conversion program for the 777 freighters to China and the wider Asia-Pacific market. This agreement reflects our commitment to providing operators with a convenient conversion option in the region.”
In April 2026, Mammoth Freighters received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the 777-200LRMF (Long Range Mammoth Freighter), which clears the aircraft for commercial use. The first two 777-200LRMFs are expected to enter commercial service in the fall of 2026, one with Qatar Airways and one with DHL.
Kevin Casey, President of Jetran and Spectre Air Capital, stated:
“In evaluating potential partners, STAECO was the clear choice due to its proven track record, technical expertise, and extensive experience. My team and I have been working closely with STAECO since 2004 when we introduced our first of many Boeing freighter conversions. Over the past 22 years, we have developed a trust and confidence in the STAECO team that is unmatched among our strategic partners.”
STAECO brings extensive conversion experience, including more than 100 conversions of Boeing 737-800. HAECO Xiamen has committed to supporting STAECO during the startup process for the Mammoth 777 with expertise and personnel. Huang Enfang, Chairman of STAECO, emphasized:
“This collaboration with Mammoth Freighters represents an exciting opportunity to develop advanced conversion capabilities for large freighters in one of the fastest-growing air freight markets in the world.”
Following the FAA certification of the 777-300ERMF, Mammoth plans to begin the validation of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), supported by demand from Chinese customers. Mammoth expects that the CAAC validation will be completed before the first 777-300ERMF enters service in China.
