China Southern Air Logistics to Add Three Boeing 777-300ER Converted Freighters
Operator to take IAI-modified twinjets under lease agreement with AerCap. China Southern Airlines has become the latest carrier to commit to introducing converted Boeing 777-300ER freighters. The airline's logistics division has signed a lease agreement for three of the type with Irish-based lessor AerCap. AerCap states that it will deliver the first of the modified twinjets to the Guangzhou-based company in October next year. The remaining two will be handed over in the first and second quarters of 2028 respectively. Designated the 777-300ERSF the aircraft are being converted under a programme partnership between Israel Aerospace Industries and AerCap. "These aircraft will provide strong support for our strategy to expand intercontinental routes, enabling us to deliver superior service to customers worldwide," says China Southern Air Logistics chair Li Xiao. "Introduction of the [777-300ERSF] marks a major milestone in the continued evolution of our fleet." China Southern has cargo hubs at Shanghai and Guangzhou and its cargo fleet includes a dozen Boeing 777Fs and a pair of 747-400Fs. AerCap chief Aengus Kelly says the 777-300ERSFs will "integrate seamlessly" into the Chinese carrier's 777 operation.