DHL Express has expanded an agreement with ACIA Aero Leasing and Solenta to acquire and convert four ATR 72-500s into Large Cargo Door Freighters. Solenta will be operating the converted ATRs on behalf of the DHL Express in West Africa. The first of the four upgraded freighters were converted by Springer Aerospace, bringing the total number of ACIA aircraft in operation by DHL Express to nine. These aircraft are currently based in DHL hubs in Gabon, Togo, and the Ivory Coast and are operated in the Latin American and African markets. The remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
Mick Mooney, ACIA Aero Leasing CEO, said: “ACIA is exceptionally well positioned to deliver on this fleet renewal program for DHL Express alongside our partners at Solenta. The companies will leverage the ACIA Group’s proprietary intellectual property for LCD freighter conversion, owned by IPR Conversions, and extensive experience in delivering converted freighters to airline customers on time. This new mandate is about extending both of our company’s already successful partnership with DHL Express, while converting more aircraft into freighters for which we see robust demand, particularly for turboprops”
Paul Hurst, Solenta Aviation’s Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to join forces with ACIA again to expand our long-standing partnership with DHL Express during such an exciting time for the air cargo industry. The renewal of this partnership is a testament to our track record in operating this key part of DHL Express’ route network in these challenging jurisdictions.”
Adriaan (Riaan) Vorster, Head of Aviation for DHL Express’ Sub-Sahara Africa region, said: “We’re delighted to entrust ACIA and Solenta with this fleet upgrade. Solenta has been operating our West African route network for the best part of the past two decades, and we rely upon both companies’ experience and professionalism to uphold DHL Express’ most rigorous standards and expectations. We look forward to our continued long-term collaboration.”
According to ACIA, the ATR 72-500 conversion package is the optimal choice for operators focused on building flexible regional fleets that provide the ability to quickly adapt short-haul operations to the changing customer and supply chain requirements.