China Southern Cargo to Introduce Boeing 777-300ERSF Converted Freighters Under AerCap Lease Deal

China Southern Air Logistics is set to become one of the first Asian operators of the 777-300ERSF converted freighter under lease agreements with AerCap Cargo for three aircraft, marking a milestone in the type’s emergence as a dedicated cargo platform.

AeroMorning 0— July 8, 2026

AerCap Holdings N.V. announced lease agreements with China Southern Air Logistics Co. Ltd. for three Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters.

Under the deal, deliveries are scheduled between October 2027 and Q2 2028: the first in October 2027, the second in Q1 2028 and the third in Q2 2028.

The acquisition significantly expands China Southern Air Logistics’ dedicated freighter fleet, which currently includes two Boeing 747-400Fs and twelve Boeing 777-200Fs, alongside belly capacity across more than 700 China Southern Airlines passenger aircraft.

Expanding long-haul cargo operations

AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said the 777-300ERSF will provide a blend of high payload, long-range performance and operating efficiency while maintaining commonality with the carrier’s Boeing 777 family.

Powered by GE90 engines, the converted freighter offers advantages through common pilot training, maintenance procedures and spares with existing Boeing 777 passenger and freighter fleets.

The aircraft will support China Southern’s strategy to expand intercontinental services from Guangzhou and Shanghai. The carrier links China with major gateways including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London Stansted, Los Angeles, Chicago, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and reaches 300+ cities worldwide via partnerships with over 50 airlines.

Li Xiao, Chairman of CSA Logistics, called the 777-300ERSF introduction a major milestone in the company’s fleet strategy, strengthening long-haul growth and international service capabilities.

A new generation of converted freighter

The Boeing 777-300ERSF — often referred to as the ‘Big Twin’ — is the first passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion developed specifically for the 777-300ER. It sits between the production 777F and older widebody conversions, offering:

• payload capability of around 100 tonnes;
• main-deck volume exceeding 800 cubic metres;
• intercontinental range suited to Asia–Europe and trans-Pacific routes;
• fuel burn notably lower than comparable four-engine freighters;
• continued support from the proven GE90 platform.

The 777-300ER conversion market

The 777-300ERSF programme was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which created the modification package and obtained FAA and CAAI Supplemental Type Certificates. IAI performs prototype and initial conversions in Israel and remains the programme’s centre. Additional capacity is expected via partnerships, including Etihad Engineering in Abu Dhabi.

Beyond China Southern: Emirates leads entry into service

China Southern will be among the first major Asian operators to introduce the 777-300ERSF, following the aircraft’s commercial entry into service with Emirates SkyCargo.

Emirates launched commercial operations with the 777-300ERSF in July 2026, validating the P2F concept and the 777-300ER platform’s transition to a high-capacity freighter. The carrier plans to operate five 777-300ERSFs by end-2027 to support global cargo network growth.

Other early programme participants

Kalitta Air was among the earliest customers involved in initial commercial development. AerCap Cargo has become a key commercial partner, acquiring and placing converted aircraft with airline customers and enabling access without direct capital investment.

Strengthening China’s cargo position

The AerCap agreement further reinforces China Southern Cargo’s standing among China’s leading international cargo operators. Beyond its dedicated freighter fleet, the airline leverages one of the world’s largest passenger networks, extensive domestic trucking to 260+ destinations, and self-operated cargo terminals in 12 Chinese cities.

For AerCap, the transaction highlights sustained demand for next-generation converted freighters amid constrained production slots for new-build freighters. As more 777-300ER passenger aircraft become available, the 777-300ERSF is poised to become a major widebody conversion programme in global air cargo.

Source: AerCap