Aircraft operator KF Aerospace has acquired an ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighter as part of its recently renewed 10-year contract with express firm Purolator to operate its British Columbia Feeder Network (BCFN).
The aircraft (MSN736) was acquired from Dublin-based ACIA Aero Leasing and is KF Aerospace's second ATR 72-500F. It will be introduced into KF’s air cargo fleet as early as April 2025.
The deal for the aircraft follows KF Aerospace’s new contract with Purolator, which includes a plan to replace ageing Convair 580s with three ATR72-500Fs – two containerised and one bulk loader.
“Following the awarding of our new air cargo contract, we have committed to a quick turnaround time to implement the fleet renewal,” said Tracy Medve, president and chief executive, KF Aerospace.
“ACIA has provided a quality aircraft that meets our needs in a very short period of time. This latest transaction represents our first acquisition from ACIA, but our business partnership extends back over many years, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with ACIA.”
ACIA chief executive Michael Mooney said: “The Canadian market continues to present multiple opportunities for the ATR platform across both passenger and cargo requirements and KF is a key player in this market.
"This sale to KF, the second ATR freighter delivered by ACIA to a Canadian operator in the last six months, reaffirms our view that the customer base will grow as more and more Canadian airlines recognise the winning attributes of the type for the unique environment, they operate in.”
The BCFN includes flights to Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo.
