TL;DR: Mammoth Freighters has named STAECO as its third MRO partner, bringing Boeing 777 freighter conversion capability to Qingdao, China for the first time. The first line opens in September 2026, with a second following in early 2027. HAECO Xiamen will provide 777-specific technical support during startup. The first aircraft to be inducted is a B777-200LR owned by Jetran.
Mammoth Freighters has moved quickly to build out its global conversion network. The programme, founded in December 2020 and backed by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, has now locked in its third conversion site globally. STAECO’s facility in Qingdao, China, will host two B777 freighter conversion lines. The first opens in September 2026. The second follows in early 2027.
This is a direct response to demand. Asia-Pacific wants widebody freighter capacity. China wants in-region conversion. Mammoth and STAECO are building that capability now, not later.
STAECO Brings Proven Conversion Track Record to B777 Programme
STAECO is not new to this work. The Qingdao-based MRO has completed more than 100 Boeing 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversions – the foundation Mammoth is building on. The STAECO facility will operate one widebody hangar with two bays at the newly rebuilt Qingdao airport.
To bridge the gap between STAECO’s 737 experience and the demands of widebody 777 work, HAECO Xiamen is stepping in. HAECO brings deep 777 engineering and maintenance expertise. That personnel support during the startup phase reduces risk and accelerates the learning curve for STAECO’s teams.
Jetran’s B777-200LR Is First Through the Door
The first aircraft inducted at STAECO Qingdao will be a B777-200LR owned by Jetran. Jetran’s president has noted that his team has worked closely with STAECO since 2004 – a relationship spanning more than 22 years – and that this long-standing partnership has built a level of trust and confidence that is central to the selection. That relationship adds commercial weight to Mammoth’s choice of partner.
Mammoth received FAA certification for its 777-200LRMF in April 2026. The first two converted aircraft are expected to enter commercial service in autumn 2026. One goes to Qatar Airways. One goes to DHL. Following FAA certification of the 777-300ERMF, Mammoth expects to begin CAAC STC validation – required before the type enters service in China.
Nine Production Lines Across Three MRO Partners Is the End Game
STAECO is one piece of a larger build-out. Mammoth’s global network is planned for up to nine production lines across three MRO partners. Five lines are planned at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth. Two are planned at STS Aviation Services in Manchester. The two Qingdao lines complete the picture.
That scale matters. Widebody freighter demand is not slowing. Airlines and integrators need converted capacity. Mammoth is positioning itself to serve operators across three continents from three conversion hubs. In-region capability in China is not a nice-to-have. For Asia-Pacific operators, it is critical.
What This Means for Air Cargo Capacity
The Mammoth and STAECO announcement reflects a wider shift in the freighter market. In CSN’s view, sustained conversion demand reflects broader structural trends in the air cargo market. B777 conversions are attractive because the aircraft offers strong payload and range. In CSN’s assessment, operators in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe have reason to follow this programme closely.
For freight forwarders, more converted widebody capacity entering the market on key lanes matters. In CSN’s view, additional widebody conversion capacity entering key trade lanes will bear watching for its impact on rate dynamics and charter availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mammoth Freighters building at STAECO in Qingdao?
Mammoth Freighters is opening two Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter conversion lines at STAECO’s Qingdao facility. The first line opens in September 2026. The second follows in early 2027. STAECO’s Qingdao site is equipped with one widebody hangar offering two conversion bays, supporting both the B777-300ERMF and B777-200LRMF programmes.
What aircraft types will be converted at STAECO?
Both the B777-300ERMF and the B777-200LRMF conversions are planned for the Qingdao site. The first aircraft to be inducted is a B777-200LR owned by Jetran. The 777-200LRMF received FAA certification in April 2026. Following FAA certification of the 777-300ERMF, Mammoth expects to begin CAAC STC validation ahead of the first 777-300ERMF entering service in China.
Why is HAECO Xiamen involved in the STAECO programme?
HAECO Xiamen is providing 777-specific engineering and maintenance expertise to STAECO during the programme startup. STAECO has strong conversion experience on the Boeing 737-800, with over 100 completions. HAECO’s personnel and technical knowledge bridges the gap to widebody 777 operations.
Which airlines will receive the first Mammoth 777 freighter conversions?
The first two 777-200LRMF conversions are expected to enter commercial service in autumn 2026. One aircraft is destined for Qatar Airways. The other goes to DHL. Mammoth is also showcasing its FAA-certified 777-200LRMF built for DHL Express at the Farnborough Airshow, 20 to 24 July.
What does Mammoth Freighters do, and who backs it?
Mammoth’s conversions transform large-cabin 777-200LR and 777-300ER jets into high-capacity freighters optimised for long-haul cargo, offering operators a competitive combination of payload, range, and fuel burn. The programme was founded in December 2020 and is backed by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group.
How many total conversion lines does Mammoth plan globally?
Mammoth Freighters plans up to nine total production lines across three MRO partners. Five lines are planned at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth. Two lines are planned at STS Aviation Services in Manchester. Two lines will operate at STAECO in Qingdao, China.
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