Regional aircraft leasing and lease management services provider ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) has announced it will commence the first ATR 72-600 Large Cargo Door (LCD) freighter conversion.

The project was originally planned for 2022, but due to sustained demand for the passenger variant of the aircraft, it has been postponed until now.

ACIA acquired five ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft this year and will allocate one to the first conversion.

The project will commence in August 2024 at Empire Aerospace, Idaho, US. Conversion and final certification is expected to be completed by Q1 2025.

Over the last 18 months, ACIA has delivered eight ATR 72 freighters to customers, including six LCDs.

Mick Mooney, chief executive of ACIA Aero Leasing, said: “We are continuing to see very strong demand for the overall ATR72 platform, as it is the most fuel-efficient regional aircraft in its class.

“The demand for the 72-600 LCD has been there for some time as operators have been looking to renew their fleets with the latest technology.

“Along with our sister company, IPR Conversions, which owns the ATR conversion STC, we have the experience and capability to meet this operator demand.”

ACIA has successfully placed a substantial number of ATR72 freighters into the market. Its latest delivery was a second Bulk Freighter Conversion (BFC) to Thailand’s Pattaya Airways, ahead of the airline’s commercial launch. The company also delivered an additional ATR 72-212 LCD to Aerlink in Australia.

Mooney added: “As the 72-500 variant becomes scarcer, it was only going to be a matter of time before the first ATR72-600 underwent freighter conversion. It is strategic for ACIA and IPR as a group to be the first movers.

“We see strong opportunities for growth in the cargo sector and we are already in active discussions with several prospects, existing customers and operators exploring new market opportunities, particularly in Asia Pacific.”

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