Freighter Trends

Boeing and MSC Air Cargo have announced the purchase of five 777-8 Freighters. The previously unidentified order is MSC Air Cargo's first for the 777-8 Freighter. The 777-8 Freighter will be the industry's most capable twin-engine freighter, incorporating advanced technologies as a member of the 777X family and customer-preferred features from the current generation 777 Freighter.

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance ("AFI KLM E&M") and AerCap Holdings N.V. (“AerCap”) have announced the signing of an agreement to establish a 50/50 LEAP engine leasing joint venture to support the growing demand for LEAP spare engines. The joint venture follows the memorandum of understanding announced at the Paris Air Show in 2025, and is subject to the necessary approvals by the relevant authorities.

Riyadh Air and Boeing has announced that the airline is exercising options for 28 more 787 Dreamliner jets as part of its growth plan. The agreement to exercise most of the options from Riyadh Air's 2023 order also includes the conversion of 20 airplanes to the larger 787-10 variant. The announcement includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the ultra-efficient widebody jets. Once the remaining 17 airplanes are finalized, Riyadh Air's firm order count will grow to 67 787 Dreamliners.

GE Aerospace and UK Export Finance have introduced a new financing framework to support airline engine maintenance at GE Aerospace’s overhaul facilities in Wales and Scotland, with UKEF expected to back up to US$1 billion in financing over the next five years. The program is designed to provide airlines with faster access to financing for engine shop visits, replacing the need for complex, case-by-case funding arrangements.

Cathay Cargo has announced the postponement of the planned resumption of its freighter service to Riyadh following the latest developments in the Middle East. The freighter operation, which had been scheduled to resume on 1 August 2026, will remain suspended until further notice as the airline continues to closely monitor the evolving security and operational situation across the region.

Pratt & Whitney business is expanding its engine inspection capabilities with AI-assisted borescope software through the acquisition and integration of Amsterdam-based Aiir Innovations. This technology enables a step change in how inspections are performed, enhancing consistency and efficiency across global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations for commercial, civil and military engines.

AvAir has acquired Full Stop Technics, adding FAA- and EASA-certified wheel and brake maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities to its global aftermarket platform. “This acquisition strengthens AvAir’s aftermarket platform by adding certified wheel and brake MRO capabilities,” said Mike Bianco, CEO of AvAir.

Mammoth Freighters LLC has announced that  it will expand its 777 freighter conversion operations to Qingdao, China, and has selected STAECO as its newest conversion MRO provider following a Request for Proposal process. The expansion comes in response to growing demand for widebody freighter capacity in China and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Aero Engine Leasing has officially launched as a new aviation leasing platform focused on providing CFM engine leasing solutions to airlines and operators worldwide. Founded by a team with experience in the aviation aftermarket, the company enters the market with an initial focus on CFM engine platforms and has already deployed its first leased engine. AEL aims to have 30 engines on lease or under management by the end of 2026 as it expands its portfolio.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a portfolio of 12 commercial aircraft and 13 aircraft engines, expanding both its leasing platform and customer base. The acquisition will enhance WLFC’s aircraft leasing, asset management and aftermarket capabilities, while supporting its engine-focused leasing programs, including ConstantThrust. Upon completion, the transaction will increase the company’s lease portfolio by an additional 12 aircraft and 13 engines.