First Converted ATR 72-600P2F Freighter Enters Service
The newly converted freighter increases cargo capacity, offering regional logistics operators a new specialized airframe option.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Transportation
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ACIA Aero Leasing has delivered its first converted ATR 72-600P2F aircraft to FedEx. The freighter, which includes a newly installed large cargo door, serves as a blueprint for future conversions within the regional cargo market.
Why it matters
The introduction of the ATR 72-600P2F provides regional logistics operators with increased capacity for palletised freight. By retrofitting passenger aircraft, firms are extending the utility of existing airframes to meet demand for specialized, short-haul cargo capabilities.
ACIA delivered the first ATR 72-600P2F, which features a cargo door measuring 2.94 meters by 1.8 meters. The firm currently manages a total portfolio of over 50 regional passenger and freighter aircraft across 23 countries.
The players
ACIA Aero Leasing
An aircraft lessor and asset manager with a portfolio of over 50 regional passenger and freighter units.
FedEx
A global courier and logistics company that operates a large fleet of specialized cargo aircraft.
Empire Aerospace
An aviation maintenance and modification firm specializing in complex freighter conversions.
The details
The conversion, executed by Empire Aerospace, modifies passenger airframes to accommodate larger, palletised freight that standard regional models cannot handle. This specific aircraft, MSN 1239, establishes the technical standard for the conversion program ACIA initiated in 2024. The modification involves extensive structural work to integrate the large cargo door, enabling the aircraft to function as a dedicated freighter for express parcel services.
Timeline
2024: ACIA initiated the ATR 72-600 series conversion programme.
July 2025: ACIA announced the sale of the aircraft to FedEx.
December 2025: This aircraft was the original scheduled delivery date.
October 15, 2026: ACIA announced the formal delivery of the aircraft.
Market Landscape
This delivery marks the first operational milestone for the ATR 72-600 series conversion programme launched by ACIA in 2024. It reflects a broader trend among lessors to repurpose regional passenger platforms to address specialized cargo demand.
Regional logistics operators should monitor the operational reliability of the MSN 1239 blueprint to determine if similar conversions align with their own mid-range fleet renewal strategies. The move signals a potential shift in regional freight capacity, requiring planners to evaluate the cost-benefit of converted versus new-build cargo aircraft.
The takeaway
The successful conversion of the ATR 72-600P2F validates the viability of retrofitting mid-sized passenger aircraft for specialized cargo roles. Operators should keep the 2.94-meter by 1.8-meter door dimensions on file when assessing which palletized freight configurations can be accommodated in future fleet upgrades.
Further reading
For more on fleet management and equipment updates, visit the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Air Cargo News.
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