FedEx Express (FX, Memphis International) has announced it has placed a firm order with ATR - Avions de Transport Régional (EVX, Toulouse Blagnac) for thirty ATR72-600(F)s with options for an additional twenty of the type. Collectively, the turboprops will be used to renew the US logistics specialist's fleet of 300 feeder aircraft spread across forty-five countries. The first aircraft is expected in 2020 with about six aircraft per year to deliver over a five year period.
“The purchase of new, more advanced feeder aircraft like the ATR 72-600F is the next step in our very successful fleet modernization strategy, which has helped us greatly improve our fuel efficiency and fleet reliability in recent years,” David L. Cunningham, president and CEO, FedEx Express, said. “We worked closely with ATR, which developed this new aircraft with special features to help us grow our business, especially in the air freight market where shipments are larger and heavier."
The ATR 72-600F is equipped with reinforced floor panels and will support both bulk cargo and Unit Load Device (ULD) configurations. The aircraft has a bulk capacity of 74.6 cubic meters. When in ULD mode, it can accommodate up to seven LD3 containers.
According to FedEx, as its current fleet of feeder aircraft do not carry containers or palletized freight, so these new features will help it better serve customers in the air freight market where palletized shipments are the norm.
