First factory-built ATR 72-600F commences flight tests

[caption id="attachment_414590" align="alignright" width="500"] The first ATR 72-600F taking off on its first flight. Photo/ATR[/caption] The first new-build ATR 72-600F took to the skies over Toulouse (TLS) today and completed a two-hour flight test. Unlike the existing ATR freighter fleet, which is comprised of freighter-converted passenger units, this is the first program from the Airbus and Leonardo joint venture to deliver aircraft in cargo configuration, with a large cargo door and a cargo loading system pre-installed. Flight tests utilizing the single conformity aircraft (1653) are expected to last one month, a spokesperson for ATR confirmed to Cargo Facts. Once the aircraft is type-certified and approved by regulators, deliveries to the program’s launch customer FedEx will commence. According to FedEx’s latest Stat Book , it currently expects to take delivery of four ATR 72-600Fs by June 30, 2021. The 279 feeder aircraft operated on behalf of FedEx by other carriers are a defining feature of FedEx’s network, and are thought to be a key component to its competitive advantage against Amazon Air’s expanding fleet. Apart from the ATR freighters, the express company is also expecting deliveries of smaller Cessna SkyCourier 408s that are being developed by Textron Aviation. With a gross max structural payload of 2.7 tonnes, the SkyCourier 408 has approximately one-third the payload capacity of the 7.2-tonne ATR 72-600F. New-build turboprops are a recent development in FedEx’s regional fleet-modernization strategy. Unlike the current fleet, which relies on labor-intensive bulk loading, both the ATR 72-600F and Cessna SkyCourier 408 are capable of carrying containerized freight and could reshape those operations. To do so on a networkwide scale would likely require additional orders of production freighters or ATR conversions, which are also capable of carrying containerized freight. For now, just eighty new-build turboprop freighters are on firm order, including fifty SkyCourier 408s in addition to the ATR 72-600Fs. In November 2017, FedEx firm-ordered thirty ATR 72-600Fs, and secured options for up to twenty more. While Cargo Facts Symposium 2020 will be presented as a virtual event, the unparalleled networking and continuing education opportunities remain, with the best and brightest minds addressing the most pressing industry issues for air cargo — including those around COVID-19. To register and for more information, visit www.cargofactssymposium.com .

First factory-built ATR 72-600F commences flight tests

No summer slowdown detected in August freighter aircraft transactions

Amerijet expands fleet with seventh 767-300F

Related Posts

GA Telesis adds to 737-800SF backlog

Pacific Air Express bids adieu to sole freighter

Listen: Will we finally find out what’s next for widebody freighters?

Amerijet expands fleet with seventh 767-300F

CARGO FACTS CONSULTING

CFC: US inbound cross-border e-commerce shipments jump 15%

E-commerce traffic boosts US domestic air express outlook through 2026

Follow Us

First factory-built ATR 72-600F commences flight tests

Already subscribed? Click below.

No summer slowdown detected in August freighter aircraft transactions

Amerijet expands fleet with seventh 767-300F

Related Posts

GA Telesis adds to 737-800SF backlog

Pacific Air Express bids adieu to sole freighter

Listen: Will we finally find out what’s next for widebody freighters?

Amerijet expands fleet with seventh 767-300F

By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

CARGO FACTS CONSULTING

CFC: US inbound cross-border e-commerce shipments jump 15%

E-commerce traffic boosts US domestic air express outlook through 2026

Follow Us