FedEx buys smaller freighters
FedEx Express announced Monday that it is buying eight regional aircraft from Continental Airlines for use in its domestic network.
FedEx will take delivery of the French-built ATR 42-320s between Jan. 27 and the end of February for an undisclosed purchase price.
The aircraft will have a maximum payload of 12,000 pounds after they are converted to all-cargo configuration. FedEx Express, a unit of FedEx Corp., did not say when or where the small passenger jets will be converted to freighters or how long that process will take.
The ATR-42s, which average 11.5 years in age, will replace aging Fokker F-27s. The planes will support the carrier’s trunk aircraft system on routes without good interstate highway connections, such as from Memphis to Columbus, Ga., and Seattle to Ketchikan, Alaska.
FedEx said additional ATR purchases will depend on future fleet requirements and the progress of its Fokker F-27 fleet retirement program. FedEx has 32 F-27s. The ATRs are powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW-121 turbo-prop engines.
Nearly 30 ATR 42s and ATR 72s are used in dedicated cargo operations worldwide, according to Jean-Michel Leonard, chief executive of Toulouse-based ATR, an equal partnership between Finmeccanica/Alenia Aeronautica and European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.
ATR launched the cargo conversion program three years ago to satisfy growing demand for small freighters capable of carrying five to 10 tons of cargo. Leonard said the company expects to average 10-15 conversions a year. The company has built 652 ATRs.
FedEx said the ATR 42 and ATR 72 provide exceptional payload and range capability. It described the ATR aircraft as a proven, reliable and cost-effective performer.
