Leasing firm ACIA Aero Leasing said that work is now underway on the conversion of the first ATR 72-600 after a delay of more than a year.
The company had originally announced plans to convert two of the aircraft in September 2022, with work set to start in 2023.
However, sustained demand for the passenger variant meant the Dublin-based firm put its plans on hold.
ACIA acquired five ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft and is allocating one of them (MSN 1239) to the first conversion.
The project will commence in August 2024 at Empire Aerospace, Idaho in the US and it is expected that the conversion and final certification will be completed by the first quarter of 2025.
“We are continuing to see very strong demand for the overall ATR 72 platform, as it is the most fuel-efficient regional aircraft in its class,” said Mick Mooney, chief executive of ACIA Aero Leasing.
Over the last 18 months, ACIA has delivered eight ATR 72 freighters (not -600s) to customers, including six Large Cargo Door (LCD) models.
“The demand for the 72-600 LCD has been there for some time as operators have been looking to renew their fleets with the latest technology. Along with our sister company, IPR Conversions, which owns the ATR conversion STC, we have the experience and capability to meet this operator demand,” Mick Mooney added.
Its latest delivery was a second Bulk Freighter Conversion (“BFC”) to Thailand’s Pattaya Airways, ahead of the airline’s commercial launch. The company also delivered an additional ATR 72-212 LCD to Aerlink in Australia.
“As the 72-500 variant becomes scarcer, it was only going to be a matter of time before the first ATR72-600 underwent freighter conversion. It is strategic for ACIA and IPR as a group to be the first movers,” Mooney added.
“We see strong opportunities for growth in the cargo sector and we are already in active discussions with several prospects, existing customers and operators exploring new market opportunities, particularly in Asia Pacific."
