Kalitta Air

What Kalitta Air does

Kalitta Air, LLC is a U.S.-based all-cargo airline founded in November 2000 and headquartered at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The company is wholly owned by founder Conrad Kalitta and operates a fleet of 22 Boeing 747-400F freighters and 5 Boeing 777 freighters, with eight 777-300ERSF ('Big Twin') and three 777-200LRF deliveries scheduled for 2024-2025 that materially expand capacity. Kalitta serves multinational freight forwarders, U.S. government agencies (Air Mobility Command, Department of Defense, USPS), large logistics integrators (DHL, Sinotrans), e-commerce shippers (Shein), and other airlines through long-term charter contracts, ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) programs, and on-demand charter services for general cargo, e-commerce, oversized items, perishables, dangerous goods, live animals, and high-value goods. The company's 1,500+ Oscoda-based workforce supports a vertically integrated MRO business — including a 10-meter engine test cell, FAA Part 145 Repair Station #KK0R872X, EASA Part 145, UK CAA, CAAS, IOSA Registry, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications — plus a tire & brake center, FAA-licensed Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) operation producing proprietary Boeing parts and an ISO Container Offset Restraint Kit (STC ST04019CH), and a USDOL-registered A&P Mechanic Apprenticeship Program.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: charter services (long-term, ACMI, on-demand), U.S. government contracts, third-party MRO and parts manufacturing, and pilot/maintenance training delivered through full-motion 747-400 and 777 simulators at its flight training center. Go-to-market is enterprise B2B via direct sales (Wallace Air Cargo Group as primary contact) plus regional sales partners across Europe, China, Hong Kong and the Pacific Islands. A 2024-2025 joint venture with DHL Express at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ($292M facility) and a dedicated Brussels-Cincinnati healthcare shuttle represent the most material recent revenue and footprint expansions, with the company also serving as the launch customer for the next-generation 777-300ERSF converted freighter program.

Name

Kalitta Air

Legal name

Kalitta Air, LLC

Website

https://kalittaair.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

US-based all-cargo airline operating 25+ Boeing 747 and 777 freighters worldwide, serving multinational freight forwarders, US government agencies, e-commerce shippers, and DHL via scheduled charter, ACMI, and on-demand cargo services with vertically integrated MRO and pilot training operations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Cargo Transportation Services

NAICS

Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (3364), Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (336412)

SIC

Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512), Air Courier Services (4513), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Air Cargo Charter Specialists (On-Demand) (TLADAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Commercial Airframe MRO (Heavy Checks & Structural) (IMABALAA), Component MRO (LRU/Rotables, Hydraulics, Pneumatics) (IMABALAD), MRO Engineering, Technical Publications & CAMO Support (IMABALAO), Landing Gear & Wheel/Brake MRO (TLAKAJAD)

Keywords

• Air cargo transportation
• Aircraft maintenance services
• Cargo charter services
• PMA parts manufacturing
• Engine MRO services

Headquarters

HQ city

Ypsilanti

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Cargo Charter Services: Long-term charter, ACMI programs, and on-demand charter services for transporting all types of cargo including e-commerce, oversized items, perishables, dangerous goods, live animals, and high-value cargo.
2. U.S. Government Contracts: Contracts with U.S. Air Mobility Command and other government agencies for military cargo transport. Also supports USPS with scheduled flights delivering mail and packages to military personnel.
3. Maintenance and MRO Services: Comprehensive aircraft maintenance services including power plant, air frame, engineering, and tire & brake services for external customers.
4. PMA Parts Manufacturing: FAA Licensed facility manufacturing aircraft parts including Boeing 747-400 Ball Transfer Units, Tread Assemblies, and 777 Casters for external customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kalitta Air is a US-based all-cargo airline operating a fleet of Boeing 747-400F and 777 freighter aircraft (22 B747-400 freighters and 5 B777 freighters, with 777-300ERSF expansion planned) providing scheduled and on-demand worldwide air cargo charter, ACMI programs, and long-term charter services. The company is vertically integrated, also offering in-house aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services across engine (Power Plant), airframe, engineering, and tire & brake disciplines, plus an FAA-licensed Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) facility producing Boeing 747-400 and 777 components.

Product overview

Kalitta Air is a US-based all-cargo airline operating a fleet of Boeing 747-400F and 777 freighter aircraft (22 747-400s and 5 777s, with expansion plans), providing scheduled and on-demand air cargo charter services globally. The company offers a vertically integrated portfolio combining cargo transportation with comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services through its Power Plant Services (engines), Air Frame Services, Engineering, Tire & Brake Center, and FAA-licensed Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) facility. Training services include a USDOL-registered A&P Mechanic Apprenticeship Program and an FAA-approved Maintenance Training Center, both located in Oscoda, Michigan. Digital services include cargo tracking for US and South American routes. Sales operations are supported through a global network of authorized sales representatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Cargo Services Scheduled and on-demand worldwide air cargo charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) services transporting e-commerce, oversized items, perishables, dangerous goods, live animals, and high-value cargo. Sold to multinational freight forwarders, logistics providers, and government agencies through direct sales and a regional partner network.
• Power Plant Services Full-service engine MRO for General Electric CF6-80C2, CFM56-3, CFM56-7, Pratt & Whitney PW4000 (94") engines, and 901A APU. Backed by a 10-meter test cell capable of 100,000 pounds of thrust. Provided to external airlines and aircraft operators.
• Air Frame Services Class IV 145 Repair Station offering heavy checks, major overhauls and repairs, scheduled A/B/C/D checks, structural inspections, modifications, and aging aircraft programs for Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft. Sold to external commercial operators.
• Engineering Services Technical support and design capability including aircraft structural repair design, modification design, damage tolerance evaluation, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development, and Part Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) development. Provided to external airlines and operators.
• Tire & Brake Center 24,000 sq. ft. facility in Belleville, Michigan offering full-service inspection, repair, overhaul, and NDT testing of aircraft OEM wheels and brakes (Honeywell, Goodrich, Meggitt, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, Cleveland platforms). Sold to external commercial operators.
• Parts Manufacturing & Authorization (PMA) FAA-licensed facility manufacturing aircraft parts including Boeing 747-400 Ball Transfer Units, Tread Assemblies, ISO Container Offset Restraint Kits (STC ST04019CH), and 777 Casters for external customers.
• Maintenance Training Center FAA-approved training facility in Oscoda, Michigan providing regulatory, OSHA-required, and job-specific training for aircraft and engine maintenance across Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft types. Awarded the 2024 FAA Diamond Award for training excellence.
• Airframe & Powerplant Apprenticeship Program USDOL-registered apprenticeship program for Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic certification, approximately 2.5 years (5,360 hours) in duration, leading to journeyman certification and FAA A&P testing eligibility. Located in Oscoda, Michigan.
• Cargo Tracking Online cargo tracking service allowing customers to locate shipments via tracking number for US and South American cargo routes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 95% flight punctuality rate reported by customer Joyspeed Global Cargo
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and regional.

• DHL (Healthcare Logistics)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 February 2026DHL introduced a dedicated shuttle service between Brussels and Cincinnati using a Boeing 777-300 converted freighter operated by Kalitta Air, painted with a 'Health Logistics' label. Part of DHL Group's strategy to double healthcare logistics revenue to $10.8 billion by 2030.
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)coreTechnology or Integration · 2 September 2025IAI completed the world's first conversion of a Boeing B777-300ERSF passenger aircraft into a cargo aircraft, receiving Supplemental Type Certificate approval from FAA and Israel's Civil Aviation Authority. The converted aircraft can carry 100 tons of cargo compared to 60 tons for the smaller 767 model, with conversion costs approximately 20% lower than purchasing new aircraft.
• DHL ExpressflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024DHL Express is constructing a $292 million maintenance facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The LEED-certified, carbon-neutral facility will house two Boeing 777s side by side. Includes a joint venture with Kalitta Air to jointly oversee maintenance operations and adds 300 new employees.
• Wallace Air Cargo Group, Inc.flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary sales contact for Kalitta Air's scheduled services, ACMI programs, and ad hoc charters. Contacts: Bryan Perraud +1 (949) 574-4039, Markus Feldmann +1 (703) 856-6829.
• Inter Aviation Services B.V.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEurope sales office for Kalitta Air cargo transportation services. Phone: +31.20.3160380, Email: [email protected]
• Taidak Air Logistics Co., LTD.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChina sales office for Kalitta Air cargo transportation services. Phone: 0086-592-5617623, Email: [email protected]
• Bluebird Air Cargo LimitedregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHong Kong sales office for Kalitta Air cargo transportation services. Phone: 852 6513 1939, Email: [email protected]
• Pacific Air CargoregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. sales office for Kalitta Air routes to Honolulu and Pacific Islands. Located at LAX, 5625 W. Imperial Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Phone: (310) 645-2178, Email: [email protected]
• Kalitta MotorsportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelated motorsports team owned by Conrad Kalitta. Fields three championship drivers in NHRA Top Fuel (Doug Kalitta, 2023 champion; Shawn Langdon, 2013 champion) and Funny Car (J.R. Todd, 2018 champion). Kalitta Air dragster branded as recruitment tool. Five-time NHRA World Championship team owner (1994, '95, 2015, '18, '23).
• BoeingcoreTechnology or IntegrationKalitta Air is the launch customer for the Boeing 777-300ERSF 'Big Twin' with eight deliveries scheduled for 2024 and 2025. Also has three 777-200LRFs scheduled to arrive in 2024.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Airlines (National Air Cargo): US-based cargo charter operator providing on-demand and ACMI services with a B747-400F fleet, serving military, commercial, and humanitarian customers. Comparable to Kalitta on charter-focused cargo operations, US military/government contracts, and wide-body freighter fleet.
• UPS Airlines: Operates a global all-cargo airline fleet including Boeing 747-8F and 767F aircraft serving express package, healthcare, and government logistics customers. Comparable to Kalitta on wide-body cargo operations, ACMI-style arrangements, and enterprise/government customer mix.
• Western Global Airlines: US-based charter all-cargo operator with a similar B747-400F and MD-11F fleet serving ACMI, charter, and US military contracts. Closely comparable to Kalitta on charter-heavy business model, government/military customer concentration, and wide-body freighter fleet composition.
• Atlas Air Worldwide: Closest US-based direct competitor operating a similar wide-body all-cargo model with B747-400F and B777F freighters under ACMI, charter, and scheduled service for global customers including DHL and the US military. Directly comparable on fleet mix, ACMI-heavy customer structure, and government/commercial mix.
• AirBridgeCargo Airlines: International all-cargo operator with a wide-body B747-400F and B777F fleet serving freight forwarders across Europe, Asia, and North America. Comparable to Kalitta on wide-body cargo operations, oversized/specialized cargo capabilities, and global freight forwarder customer base.
• Cargolux Airlines: Luxembourg-based all-cargo airline operating one of the world's largest B747-400F and B747-8F fleets serving global freight forwarders and government customers. Comparable to Kalitta on wide-body cargo operations, oversized/specialized cargo capabilities, and global charter/scheduled mix.
• FedEx Express: Operates one of the world's largest all-cargo airlines with a mix of wide-body and narrow-body freighters serving global express, e-commerce, and healthcare logistics customers. Comparable on cargo airline operations, government/enterprise customer segments, and the same MRO, training, and parts manufacturing ecosystem that Kalitta operates.
• Cathay Cargo: Cargo division of Cathay Pacific operating a wide-body freighter fleet serving global freight forwarders with strong Asia-Pacific e-commerce and perishables flows. Comparable to Kalitta on wide-body freighter operations, freight forwarder customer base, and on-time performance culture cited in Kalitta testimonials.
• DHL Aviation: Operates a global air cargo network including partner airlines and dedicated freighters serving DHL's express, e-commerce, and healthcare logistics customers. Both a major Kalitta customer and a structural comparable — DHL's CVG maintenance JV with Kalitta and dedicated Brussels-Cincinnati shuttle demonstrate direct operational overlap in wide-body freighter operations.

Broad incumbents

• AAR Corp: Major independent aerospace aftermarket services provider offering MRO, parts manufacturing, and integrated solutions across commercial and government aviation. Comparable to Kalitta's Oscoda MRO, PMA, and Engineering operations, although AAR operates at significantly larger scale and broader scope than Kalitta's in-house MRO business.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/kalittaair
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kalitta-air
• Instagraminstagram.com/kalittaaircareers

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Kalitta Air