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Turkish Airlines to lease converted Boeing 777 freighters from AerCap

Turkish Airlines has signed lease agreements with AerCap for two Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between March and September 2027. The aircraft will undergo conversion at the Etihad Engineering MRO hub in Abu Dhabi, said aircraft lessor AerCap. In 2021, Etihad Engineering signed a strategic partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to provide Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversions on Boeing 777-300ER's. The converted 777-300ERSF freighters will join 12 777Fs that are already in Turkish Airlines' fleet, according to data from Planespotters. "We are delighted to continue supporting our long-standing partner, Turkish Airlines, with the addition of two Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft to its fleet. These aircraft will provide Turkish Airlines with additional cargo capacity, combined with the outstanding performance capabilities of the 777-300ERSF," said Peter Anderson, chief commercial officer, AerCap. He added: "The dedicated 777-300ERSF conversion facility at Etihad Engineering's MRO hub in Abu Dhabi provides an important regional platform capability, enabling the aircraft to be converted in the Middle East ahead of delivery to Turkish Airlines. "We thank Turkish Airlines for their enduring partnership and Etihad Engineering for their ongoing commitment to the programme." In August last year, IAI received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme to join its STC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI). The following month, AerCap delivered the first two converted Boeing 777 freighters to launch operator Kalitta Air. AerCap said it has since delivered 777-300ERSFs to Fly Meta and signed lease agreements with Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern Group for the aircraft.

Icelease signs up for Boeing 767 freighter conversions

Icelease has struck a deal with Boeing to convert one Boeing 767-300 aircraft and has options for two more as the company expands its freighter portfolio. The first aircraft is due for induction in the first quarter of 2027, while delivery is expected during the second quarter. The aircraft will be converted at ST Engineering's airframe MRO facilities in Singapore. "This agreement with Boeing to convert up to three Boeing 767 aircraft marks an important milestone for both Icelease and its Dublin-based sister company IAT Leasing," said Sigthor Einarsson, managing partner, Icelease. "The history between Icelease and Boeing dates over 20 years and includes a multitude of new aircraft deliveries as well as cargo conversions. "The Boeing 767-300BCF will join the growing managed cargo aircraft portfolio of IAT Leasing, which already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF and other freighters leased to various customers." Lindsey Douglas, Boeing vice president, cabin, modifications, maintenance and digital services, added: "Icelease is an important partner for our Boeing Converted Freighter programmes, and this agreement underlines our continued collaboration to meet global cargo demand. "The 767-300BCF is a proven performer in the cargo industry, and we are confident it will continue to deliver value for many years to come." The 767-300BCF medium widebody converted freighter has a range of 3,300 nmi and a 57-tonne payload.

Jade Pacific Line the latest 'new kid' on the Asian short-haul block

Intra-Asia and Middle East short-haul trades are seen to be the most sought-after launch pad or entry point for aspiring container shipping entrepreneurs, as the industry becomes more competitive and challenging in an environment of ever-growing trade volatility. The 'newest kid on the block' is Jade Pacific Line (JPL), a company established by a cohort of former executives of SeaLead Shipping, which ceased operations earlier this year and in liquidation, the victim of US sanctions action over its alleged links to Iran. JPL was incorporated as a Singapore-based entity in April with former SeaLead chief commercial office Doreen Yeo named as chief executive, according to available information. The new operator has announced the launch of a shuttle loop connecting India and the Red Sea, injecting more capacity into a trade that has already been a target for opportunistic carriers. While the exact service specifics, like capacity and sailing frequency, have not been disclosed officially, The Loadstar understands the port rotation will be Mundra-Nhava Sheva-Karachi-Sokhna-Mundra. The 1,118 teu Medkon Sia is said to be the lone vessel deployed on the loop. It had its inaugural call at JNPA on 4 October and is expected to make its next call at Mundra today, sources said. They believe the newcomer wants to assess market response before deciding to add more ships for a fixed schedule rotation, either fortnightly or weekly. They see the intended coverage as a strategic move by JPL, as trades exposed to operational and security risks typically offer potential for higher freight yields. According to the latest India-Middle East price index from Container Trades Statistics, freight rates have soared this year following the outbreak of conflict, eschewing the stability seen in 2025 - its August price index was up more than 250% year on year. "Regional shipping networks are not shaped only by the largest global carriers," said Sean Fang, senior consultant at China-based Way-Way International Logistics. "Smaller operators can also create additional links between specific origin and destination markets, particularly where regional cargo demand supports a more-focused service." he added in a media post. Capacity released by SeaLead had largely been captured by emerging Chinese liner CULines, which has consolidated regional operations alongside the predominant intra-Asia regional carriers. Signalling its growth plans, CULines has swiftly expanded its fleet to more than 50 containerships, and recently signed a major order for two 14,000 teu newbuildings at China's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. The wider intra-Asia trades are undoubtedly crowded with carriers, but their underlying resilient demand strengths continue to attract capacity participants. While the region's core growth appeal lies in the concentration of production centres, accelerating supply chain diversification, the region is delivering another source of intra-regional cargo opportunities for ocean capacity stakeholders, industry experts believe.