FedEx to buy 30 new-look ATRs

: Latest News; Thursday, 09 November 2017

Switzerland-based IPR Conversions and ATR have inked a technology licensing agreement giving ATR the licence to install IPR's Large Cargo Door (LCD) and Structural Tube on new ATR 72-600F freighters.

FedEx Express already has signed a contract for the purchase of 30 ATR 72-600Fs plus 20 options. These aircraft will be the first new ATRs to be directly delivered from the factory in a freighter configuration equipped with IPR Large Cargo Door and Structural Tube. This new aircraft version has a new windowless fuselage and IPR unique LCD with a size of 296 x 180cm.

Christian Degouy, managing director of IPR Conversions said: “The ATR72-600F will offer the highest volume with 74.6 cubic metres. With new ATR 72-600 LCD freighters, customers will benefit from the lowest operating costs among seven-to-nine tonne freighter aircraft along with the efficiency offered by the LCD for either bulk loaded or containerised ATR72-600 freighter."

The deal is a boost for ATR in the US, the world's largest single aviation market.

FedEx typically uses turboprops to transport packages between smaller cities and larger airport hubs.