We went inside the secret crew rest area on a DHL Boeing 777 freighter, with bunk beds and reclining seats

Cargo flights often operate throughout the night — and pilots need a place to sleep.

Business Insider got a look at the crew rest area and other features on a DHL Boeing 777 freighter at the UK’s Farnborough Airshow last week.

The bunk beds and rest area provide the pilots with the features they need to stay sharp on long-haul flights as they alternate shifts in the cockpit.

The Boeing 777-200LR was originally a passenger jet flying long-haul with Delta Air Lines until the airline sold it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then, it was converted into a cargo plane by the American company Mammoth Freighters.

Business Insider got a tour on board with DHL’s senior vice president for global air fleet management, Malcolm Macbeth.

It was fascinating to see what life is like on board for the pilots who transport everything from small packages to semiconductors and live animals.