Freight FedEx Express takes delivery of first purpose-built ATR freighter
U.S.-American cargo airline FedEx Express has taken delivery of its first purpose-built ATR freighter.
FedEx Express, subsidiary airline of FedEx, has taken delivery of the first ever purpose-built turboprop regional freighter. In 2017, the airline signed a firm order for 30 aircraft and the first airframe, an ATR 72-600F, has now been transferred to FedEx Express.
The aircraft will be operated by ASL Airlines and is likely to be based at Shannon Airport in Ireland. ASL has been FedEx ATR operator since 2000 and an integral partner in FedEx´ regional network. The delivery of the new ATR 72-600F underlines the ongoing fleet modernization plan of the carrier.
Jorn Van De Plas, Senior Vice President Air Network and GTS Europe, FedEx Express said: “Today’s delivery of the first ever purpose-built regional ATR freighter marks an exciting new chapter for our FedEx Express Feeder fleet. This is an important step in our fleet renewal strategy, ensuring we remain the most flexible, reliable, and responsible network in the business.”
Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Office of ATR, added: “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.”
With the aircraft, FedEx will be more fuel-efficient in regional freight operations. Furthermore, the carrier is pursuing its ‘Reduce, Replace, Revolutionise’ sustainability approach, which sees older aircraft being replaced by more sustainable ones.
Currently, FedEx is operating regional routes with a fleet of 40 ATR turboprops. This shows the trust the airline is putting into the products of the French manufacturer. The ATR 72-600F is the company´s most modern aircraft in the freight segment.
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company and is operating flights to more than 200 countries around the world. The subsidiary was founded 49 years ago and is mainly operating from the “SuperHub” at Memphis.
Over the years, the carrier has established bases in Europe, too. From Milan, Cologne/Bonn, Paris CDG and Liege the airline is serving larger and smaller countries in Europe.
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