BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
ATR is in talks with several Asian carriers interested in operating ATR freighters and could use Asian maintenance companies for cargo conversions.
ATR Eastern Support president Christophe Clarenc says "a few projects are being studied" with potential South-East Asian ATR freighter operators. Asian maintenance and modification companies that perform freighter conversions on other aircraft types "could be a solution", he adds.
ATR and Aeronavali last year launched a cargo conversion product for the ATR 42 and 72 with an optional full cargo door. Several smaller aerospace companies are also marketing ATR 42 and 72 cargo conversions without a cargo door. "It's very easy to convert an ATR into a freighter," says Clarenc.
Cargo carriers can transport bulk freight on an ATR without a freighter door and FedEx Express is pursuing this option for its new fleet of over 20 ATR 42s. But a door is required to accommodate containers and pallets. So far only Switzerland's FarnAir has acquired a full ATR 72 freighter. ATR and Aeronavali are still looking for a launch customer for the ATR 42 full freighter.
"The big cargo door has been difficult to sell, but in some markets you need interconnectivity with bigger freighters," says Clarenc. "We will sell it soon."
Taiwan's TransAsia operated an ATR 72 in cargo configuration without a freight door until last December, when the aircraft crashed.
Another operator has since launched services on this route to fill the void left by TransAsia. The Taiwanese carrier is reportedly looking to acquire a replacement freighter but Clarenc does not expect any acquisition in the near future. He says there is a large potential market for turboprop freighters within Asia, especially to and from China.
Source: Flight International
