By Mcharters92 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
FedEx Express has chosen to continue with ATR aircraft for the renewal of its turboprop fleet by ordering 30 of their aircraft, with options for 20 more.
The order was announced on 8th November and will see the acquisition of ATR 72-600F aircraft.
These aircraft will be the first new ATRs to be directly delivered from the factory in a freighter configuration. This new aircraft version, designated as the ATR 72-600F, has a brand new windowless fuselage and is equipped with a forward Large Cargo Door (LCD) and a rear upper hinged cargo door. Previously, FedEx and other cargo carriers have operated ATR aircraft converted from second-hand passenger airframes.
Deliveries of the ATR 72-600Fs to FedEx Express will begin in 2020.
Commenting on the signing of the contract, David L. Cunningham, President and CEO of FedEx Express, declared: “ATR aircraft have been successfully operating in FedEx service for many years. We worked with ATR to develop this new aircraft, which include special features to help us grow our business, especially in the air freight market where shipments are larger and heavier. The 72-600F will play an important role in our global network by helping us deliver fast, economical service to small and medium sized markets.”
These aircraft are likely to be distributed among the partner airlines operating cargo flights under the FedEx Feeder brand around the world.
