The CEO of Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Modification Center to begin converting B777-300ERs into freighters.
Chai Eamsiri says the joint venture aligns with the government’s policy to position Thailand as a Southeast Asian aviation hub. The conversions will take place at an aircraft maintenance centre at Bangkok Don Mueang.
"This MOU signing marks a significant milestone for Thai and Thailand in expanding our aircraft maintenance capabilities," he said. "It enables the development of rare and specialised aircraft conversion skills, opening up new business opportunities for the company. Additionally, this collaboration is an important step for the country in establishing a comprehensive aviation industry. It will generate income across various segments of the aviation maintenance value chain."
A Thai Airways spokesperson was unable to say when the conversions would start, saying the agreement was still in the research and development phase.
However, the joint venture will see Thailand become Southeast Asia's first country with an MRO centre capable of converting B777-300ERs. In addition, it will result in the transfer of conversion technologies between the United States and Thailand, the establishment of a local aircraft manufacturing ecosystem, and the creation of around 500 jobs.
Kansas Modification Center is a Wichita-based MRO specialising in B777 conversions. The company developed a forward cargo door modification technique that places the cargo door at the rear of the aircraft, improving weight efficiency. The company plans to roll out the first converted aircraft by the end of 2025 and hopes to obtain the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the B777-300ER(ERCF) by the second quarter of 2026.
The other two conversions of the B777-300ER, both yet to be certified, are the B777-300(ERSF) developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the B777-300(ERMF) developed by Mammoth Freighters.
Thai Airways currently operates 17 of the type.
