FEDEX EXPRESS has signed a contract for the firm purchase of 30 ATR 72-600Fs plus 20 options. The turboprops will be the first ATRs to be delivered in freighter configuration from the factory with the new variant equipped with a forward large cargo door (LCD) and a rear upper hinged cargo door. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020.
The ATR 72-600F features a class E main cabin for cargo operations and can support both bulk cargo and unit load device (ULD) configurations. The manufacturer says the aircraft has a bulk capacity of 2,634cu ft (74.6m³), and, when in ULD mode, can accommodate up to seven LD3 containers, or five 88x108in (224x274cm) or nine 88x62in (224x157cm) pallets. It is also equipped with new reinforced floor panels.
Commenting on the signing of the contract, David L Cunningham, President and CEO of FedEx Express, said: “ATR aircraft have been successfully operating in FedEx service for many years. We worked with ATR to develop this new aircraft, which includes 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.”