ASIM, jul 20
ACIA Aero Leasing announced the commencement of its first ATR 72-600 Large Cargo Door (LCD) freighter conversion, originally planned for 2022 but delayed due to high demand for the passenger version. This project, set to begin in August 2024 at Empire Aerospace in Idaho, involves converting one of the five ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft acquired this year. The conversion and certification process is expected to be completed by Q1 2025. Mick Mooney, CEO of ACIA, highlighted the strong demand for the ATR72 platform, noting its fuel efficiency and the market’s interest in fleet renewal with the latest technology.
Over the past 18 months, ACIA has delivered eight ATR 72 freighters, including six LCDs, to various customers. The company’s recent deliveries include a second Bulk Freighter Conversion (BFC) to Thailand’s Pattaya Airways and an ATR 72-212 LCD to Aerlink in Australia. As the ATR72-500 variant becomes less available, the conversion of the ATR72-600 is seen as a strategic move by ACIA and its sister company, IPR Conversions. Mooney also emphasized the growth opportunities in the cargo sector, with active discussions underway with several potential customers and operators, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.
