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FedEx Adds First Converted ATR Regional Freighter

Logistics providers should track this large-door configuration as regional cargo fleets undergo structural modernization.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Transportation

Isometric editorial illustration of a regional cargo freighter aircraft on an airfield with its cargo door open.
FedEx has integrated its first ATR 72-600F converted regional freighter into its Montana logistics network to increase cargo capacity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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FedEx has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600F converted for cargo use, marking the debut of a new large-cargo-door configuration. Empire Airlines will manage the aircraft, which was converted in Idaho, within its regional Montana distribution network.

Why it matters

The deployment signals a shift toward specialized regional freighter conversions to manage cargo volume growth. Operators should track this configuration as it scales to meet increasing demands on regional logistics capacity.

The global fleet currently includes 360 ATR regional freighters, a figure projected to reach 392 to 500 units by 2045. FedEx is expanding its capability with this specific 2015-vintage conversion.

The players

FedEx

A global logistics and courier service provider that maintains one of the world's largest cargo airline fleets.

ACIA Aero Leasing

A Dublin-based aircraft lessor specializing in regional aviation assets and fleet management solutions.

Empire Airlines

An Idaho-headquartered regional airline that operates cargo flight networks under contract for major logistics providers.

IPR Conversions

An aviation engineering firm that develops and certificates aircraft structural modifications for cargo use.

Empire Aerospace

A maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility that provides structural modification and conversion services for regional aircraft.

The details

The aircraft, serial number 1239, utilizes an IPR Conversions large-cargo-door configuration following FAA validation of an EASA-issued Supplemental Type Certificate. Conversion work took place at the Empire Aerospace facility in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. Following test flights at the facility, the freighter will be integrated into the existing Montana network operated by Empire Airlines.

Timeline

  1. July 2025: ACIA Aero Leasing announced the sale of the aircraft to FedEx.

  2. September 2025: Conversion work began at the Empire Aerospace facility.

  3. March 2026: IPR Conversions received the Supplemental Type Certificate.

  4. September 2026: The aircraft completed its test flights.

  5. October 22, 2026: FedEx officially took delivery of the aircraft.

Market Landscape

The delivery follows the March 2026 issuance of the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate for the IPR Conversions configuration. This structural change marks a defined regulatory milestone for retrofitting aging regional aircraft into standardized cargo freighters.

Logistics operators should monitor the operational reliability of the IPR Conversions configuration as it enters service. Review regional distribution capacity in your network to see if updated freighter conversions provide more efficient alternatives to current aging fleet assets.

The takeaway

The deployment of this converted freighter demonstrates a scalable method for modernizing regional cargo fleets. Operators should audit their current aging equipment and track the performance of this configuration against existing 360-unit global fleet benchmarks to inform future fleet replacement strategies.

Further reading

For broader insights on regional logistics infrastructure, visit our Transportation section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Cargo Facts.

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