Purolator to upgrade reconfigured Dash 800s for Voyageur-converted freighters

Canada-based Voyageur Aviation, a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., will soon begin operating two Dash 8-100 Package Freighters (PF) on an ACMI basis for express logistics company Purolator, for a period of three years. The deal upgrades a six-month pilot operation between the two companies that began last year, utilizing two Voyageur-operated Dash 8-100s with seats removed and in “Simplified Package Freighter Configuration.” [caption id="attachment_415963" align="alignright" width="560"] A Voyageur-converted Dash 8-100PF. Photo/Voyageur Aviation[/caption] Even though the three-year ACMI contract commenced on April 12, the simplified package freighters will continue to operate until a second Dash 8-100PF exits freighter conversion. One Dash 8-100PF (90, ex-Air Canada) likely bound for operation on behalf of Purolator has already been converted to package-freighter configuration, while a second is going through the conversion process, Connor Sheridan, director, sales and marketing of Voyageur told Cargo Facts. “Once both of the other aircraft are ready, we'll make placement,” said Sheridan. Rather than dedicate a pair of aircraft for the duration of the contract, Voyageur may operate different aircraft for the customer, based on the availability of its owned fleet. Purolator recently told Cargo Facts it will utilize the freighters on flights between Canada and the United States, to accommodate growing cross-border demand. For Voyageur, the program adds a second customer for its Dash 8-100PF conversion program, which received an STC in 2017. Full package-freighter conversion reclassifies the main cabin as a Class E cargo compartment – one configured to carry cargo, thus removing certain capacity-utilization restrictions that exist for the simplified version. “The Class E cargo compartment on the Dash 8-100 Package Freighter with the zoned nets, eliminates things like [the requirement to] keep the aisle clear, and increases the volume – how much you can load in each zone, and how high you can secure the cargo,” said Sheridan. Voyageur estimates the PF conversion increases volume by 38% to 39 cubic meters and allows the aircraft to carry a payload of around 4.5 tonnes. Apart from Purolator, Voyageur also dry-leases two Dash 8-100PFs to Canada-based Wasaya Airways, the launch customer for its conversion program. Flight cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic have curbed the regional passenger fleet and left short-haul flight segments with insufficient air cargo capacity. This has drawn new customers like Purolator to add PF conversions, while other carriers such as Jazz Air and Kenya-based 748 Air Services have opted for simplified reconfiguration kits offered by De Havilland . Cargo Facts EMEA, taking place June 2-3 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the EMEA region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsemea.com .

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