ACIA Aero places ATR 72F with Solenta Aviation

ACIA Aero Leasing took redelivery of an ATR 72-212F (460, ex-Afric-Aviation), following conversion to large-cargo-door configuration according to the IPR Conversions STC [FATs 005798-5799].

Following redelivery, the aircraft was placed on lease with South Africa-based Solenta Aviation [FAT 005800], which will operate it under an affiliate based in Gabon, as part of DHL Express’ West Africa network.

The aircraft was converted by Empire Aerospace at its Coeur d’Alene Airport facility (COE).

ACIA Aero’s regional freighter portfolio numbers eight aircraft following the redelivery of 460, with “further conversions and freighter acquisitions planned for 2021,” according to a press release from ACIA. Empire told Cargo Facts it expects “most if not all” of those to be converted at COE.

Meanwhile, Philippines-based Cebu Pacific has also taken redelivery of its second ATR 72-500F (828), also converted to large-cargo-door configuration under the IPR STC [FAT 005794]. The aircraft departed Dinard (DNR), where it had been for just over two years, and was ferried to Paphos (PFO) on its way back to the Philippines.