ACIA Aero Leasing will convert a fleet of three ATR 72-600 aircraft into freighters jointly with IPR Conversions. These conversions will further expand the portfolios of both companies with the first conversion starting in January 2021. The remaining two conversions are planned for the first quarter of 2023.
ACIA Aero Leasing CEO Mick Mooney said: “Over the last 18 months, we have observed a shortage of good-quality ATR 72-500s available for conversion in the market, while witnessing a marked increase in the demand for the ATR 72-600, in both LCD and bulk freighter configurations. Now is the perfect time to start converting ATR 72-600 aircraft. We are already in discussions with a number of potential operators about leasing these aircraft and expect to progress our discussions into firm lease commitments in the coming months.”
Sebastien Cournet, IPRC’s Technical & Conversions Specialist, said: “IPRC’s STC already covers the ATR 42 and ATR 72 family of aircraft. With many conversions already completed for various customers through our partner conversion centers, the forthcoming conversion of the enhanced ATR 72-600 glass cockpit platform, including the glass cockpit integrations required for the freighter platform, is a natural next step for our group.”
Empire Aerospace, a long-standing and trusted partner of the ACIA Aero, has been selected to perform the first 72-600 LCD conversion at its facility located in the Coeur d’Alene Airport in northern Idaho.
Tim Komberec, President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire Aerospace, said: “Empire Aerospace has converted multiple ATR passenger aircraft into BCF and LCD freighters. With the wider ACIA group offering an all-around solution, from leasing to supplying LCD and BFC kits, we are extremely supportive to continue growing their fleet of ATR freighter aircraft by adding our conversion expertise. We are still seeing a lot of conversion demand for regional aircraft freighters and the ACIA group is at the forefront of this demand.”
The conversions include two ATR 72-600 Large Cargo Door (LCD) and one ATR 72-600 Bulk Freighter Cargo (BFC). The conversions will take place in Europe, Canada, and the US.