Challenge Group has announced a strategic partnership with Kalitta Air through an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement for the operation of the Boeing 777-300ERSF (registered N771CK), marking its first international deployment on the route connecting Tel Aviv – Hong Kong – Tel Aviv via Dubai.

This collaboration represents an important milestone for both companies, as it sets the stage for the introduction of one of the most advanced and efficient freighter aircraft in the industry. The partnership will allow Challenge Group to evaluate the aircraft’s operational performance and gain hands-on experience with the Boeing 777-300ERSF platform ahead of the arrival of its own aircraft of the same type, later this year.

Challenge Group’s first Boeing 777-300ERSF, leased from AerCap and registered under the Maltese AOC, will be the first of its kind ever registered in the EASA region. Through this ACMI partnership with Kalitta Air, Challenge Group is taking proactive steps to ensure a seamless transition to this new aircraft type, enabling the company to maximize operational efficiency, enhance network capabilities, and deliver more sustainable solutions to its customers.

Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer at Challenge Group, commented, “This partnership with Kalitta Air is a significant step in our long-term strategy to integrate the Boeing 777-300ERSF into our fleet. It provides us with the opportunity to test and familiarize ourselves with this new aircraft type, ensuring that when our first converted aircraft arrives, we are fully prepared to operate it at the highest standards. This will ultimately allow us to offer our customers a more efficient, flexible, and environmentally responsible air cargo solution.”

Heath Nicholl, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President of Kalitta Air, said, “We are pleased to partner with Challenge Group on the introduction of the first-of-its-kind Boeing 777-300ERSF into international service. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting a valued customer with reliable, efficient, and flexible air cargo solutions. We look forward to demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities while delivering dependable ACMI service throughout the operation.”