ATR has delivered the first ATR 72-600F turboprop to a customer. The new aircraft version is the first purpose-built regional freighter of the company.
The newly delivered freighter is registered as EI-GUL and will be operated by ASL Airlines Ireland on behalf of FedEx Express. In 2017, the company signed a firm order for 30 ATR 72-600F turboprop aircraft with the option to purchase 20 more.
To date, there already are around 130 converted ATR freighter turboprops in operation. FedEx currently has both ATR 42 and ATR 72 versions in its fleet, mainly operated by other contract carriers.
Besides ASL Airlines Ireland, multiple other carriers conduct cargo flights on contract for FedEx Feeder. In addition to ATR turboprops, the regional cargo services are operated by a large fleet of Cessna 208 Super Cargomaster.
Most of its current ATR turboprops are over 25 years old and formerly transported passengers. After the new ATR aircraft delivery, two older ATRs will be donated to Madrid airport where they will be used for fire services training.
Read more: FedEx retired its final Airbus A310 freighter earlier this year
Nick Wenzel founded International Flight Network in 2016. He is the Social Media Manager and an Editor for IFN.news.
