FedEx Takes Delivery of World's First Purpose-Built ATR Freighter

(31 Oct 2021) FedEx has taken delivery of the first ever purpose-built turboprop regional freighter.

FedEx signed a firm order for 30 ATR freighters in 2017, with the option to purchase 20 more. FedEx already has over 40 ATR turboprops in its existing fleet.

The aircraft will be operated by ASL Airlines Ireland from Shannon Airport. ASL has been a FedEx ATR operator since 2000, as part of the FedEx Express Feeder fleet.

Jorn Van De Plas, Senior Vice President Air Network and GTS Europe, FedEx Express said, “During what has been a difficult year both for businesses around the world and for communities, we are proud to remain at the heart of efforts to keep trade flowing and deliver goods across Europe. This new ATR Feeder delivery lines up with our overall ‘Reduce, Replace, Revolutionise’ sustainability approach, replacing older, less efficient aircraft in a more sustainable way.”

The ATR 72-600F has a freight capacity of 75m3 and the aircraft’s large cargo door facilitates the optimal loading of nine tonnes of payload offering the option of carrying either bulk cargo or, when in Unit Load Device (ULD) mode, five 88” x 108” pallets or up to seven LD3 containers.

The aircraft also features the latest upgradable Standard 3 avionics suite.

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Office of ATR, said, “Every manufacturer is proud when it develops and delivers a brand new aircraft, and given the uniquely challenging year the industry and the whole world has faced, handing over to FedEx Express this very first ATR 72-600F is an exciting and rewarding moment for our whole team here in ATR. Freighters play a huge role in supplying essential connectivity between economies all over the world and the unique aspects of our modern purpose-built freighter mean it will deliver operational benefits to companies that integrate them into their fleet.”

As part of the FedEx Express commitment to circularity, the two aircraft being replaced by the new ATRs will be donated to Madrid airport where they will be used for fire services training. These will be the 97th and 98th planes FedEx has donated at the end of their service in the fleet.

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