WICHITA, KANSAS — Wichita State University and Kansas Modification Center (KMC) reached another significant milestone to advance the passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion of the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) WERX.



KMC, a Wichita-based startup, and NIAR WERX submitted a Certification Plan for the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to the FAA – moving the program one step closer to delivering the modified aircraft to its owner.

As part of the conversion program announced in September 2020, KMC and NIAR WERX have been focused on pulling together the needed capital investment, market data, engineer development, and workforce skills to be able to take delivery of their first aircraft.

With the preliminary design, 60 percent complete, NIAR WERX and KMC expect the STC issuance and initial re-delivery of the 777-300ERCF converted freighter in early 2024. Based on strong interest in the program, expansion is anticipated.