When FedEx ordered 50 ATR 72-600Fs, it was looking at more connectivity and with the advantage of carrying both bulk cargo and Unit Load Device (ULD) configurations, the plane will prove to be a winner in countries like India.
In the beginning of November 2017, when ATR readied the media about an imminent announcement, aviation journalists believed it would be about the much-talked-about 90-seat turboprop. Instead, ATR unveiled a freighter variant of its workhorse, the 72- 600 that international parcel giant FedEx was ordering.
FedEx Express announced that it had placed a firm order with French aircraft manufacturer Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) for 30 ATR 72-600Fs, with options to purchase an additional 20. These aircraft will be the first new ATRs to be directly delivered from the factory in a freighter configuration. This new aircraft version, designated as the ATR 72-600F, has a brand new windowless fuselage and is equipped with a forward Large Cargo Door (LCD) and a rear upper hinged cargo door. ATR reported that there would be no changes to the structure of the fuselage, wings, landing gear and engines in the new freighter design. While the cost of the deal was not disclosed, the list price for a single aircraft is $26.8 million.
The order of the ATR 72-600Fs is a part of FedEx’s efforts to modernise its fleet. Over the last couple of years, the Memphis-based cargo carrier has been ordering aircraft – and retiring its Boeing 727s, MD-10s, and MD-11s – that are fuel-efficient and have large cargo capabilities like the Boeing 777, 767 and 757
Deliveries of the ATR 72-600Fs to FedEx Express will begin in 2020. These new ATRs will also be the first ATR 72-600s that will operate in a cargo configuration, as well as being the first ones equipped with an LCD directly from the factory.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2017 من Cruising Heights.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2017 من Cruising Heights.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
