FedEx Express is negotiating with several leasing companies to expand quickly its new fleet of ATR 42s beyond the initial eight aircraft acquired from Continental Airlines. FedEx recently completed the transaction, confirming the expected acquisition reported by Flight International in October, and will take delivery of the first ATR his week.
Lessors expect several more ATR 42 transactions involving FedEx as the carrier quickly phases out the 35-aircraft Fokker 27 fleet operated by regional partners Empire Airlines and Mountain Air Cargo. The express package carrier may also use the ATR 42 to replace some Shorts 360s and Cessna Caravans. According to ATR, FedEx has a requirement for up to 100 aircraft in the ATR's category.
Although Aeronavali offers a large cargo door conversion for the ATR family, FedEx initially plans to use the existing baggage door and install a strengthened cabin tube in the fuselage. The large door could be adopted for part of the fleet.
The carrier is in talks with two potential vendors of conversion kits - one is Worldwide Aircraft Services of Missouri and the other is believed to be Exel Tech of Canada. Conversions could be carried out by the vendors and/or the two operators that have the necessary overhaul facilities.
Source: Flight International
