Kalitta nears start of Big Twin ops supporting JAL

Kalitta Air is preparing to deploy its latest 777-300ERSF in commercial service to support Japan Airlines between the United States and Japan.

The 2006-vintage freighter (32793, ex-Emirates), which arrived Nov. 19 at Kalitta Air’s base in Oscoda, Mich. (OSC), after being on static display at the Dubai Airshow that week, has been repainted and now wears a hybrid livery featuring the titles of Kalitta Air and Japan Airlines (JAL).

Unit 32793 was on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025. (Photo/Cargo Facts)

Kalitta Air took delivery of unit 32793 on lease from AerCap last month.

The carrier is set to fly the aircraft between Chicago (ORD) and Tokyo (NRT) via Anchorage (ANC) as part of a deal with JAL, announced in March. JAL had expected to place its code on the thrice-weekly flight starting May 10, but Kalitta did not start 777-300ERSF operations until October after IAI obtained certification for the Big Twin conversion.

The 777-300ERSF will replace a 747-400F on the route, which Kalitta has been operating since April.

The trans-Pacific operation with Kalitta will supplement JAL’s own three 767-300BCFs (37548, 40365 and 40366) that the airline operates intra-Asia.

Unit 32793 is the sixth 777-300ERSF that Kalitta has leased from AerCap. The carrier is using the other five (32789, 32792, 32791, 32785 and 32787) for DHL Express and for Challenge Group.

Kalitta previously told Cargo Facts it expected one more 777-300ERSF (33865) to join its fleet by yearend.

Meanwhile, AerCap last month also delivered the first of three 777-300ERSFs (32788) on lease to Fly Meta, which has assigned the 2005-vintage freighter to Air Atlanta Europe for ACMI service on behalf of Hungary Airlines.

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