Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Solenta Aviation to fly newly-converted ATR-72F for DHL

This freighter-converted ATR72 (463) will soon fly for DHL in Solenta Aviation’s fleet.
(Solenta Aviation)

Yesterday, South Africa-based Solenta Aviation took re-delivery of an ATR72-200F, converted to large-door freighter configuration by Switzerland-based IPR Conversions Ltd., at its ASI-Maintenance facility in Toulouse, France.

IPR holds the STCs to perform both bulk-load and large-door modifications on the ATR72-200 and -500 series turboprobs. The first STC is for what IPR refers to as a “structural tube” conversion in which the floor is secured and the windows are plugged. A second option includes the installation of a large cargo door (LCD) 116” x 71” which allows for the loading of up to five containers or pallets with dimensions of 88″x 108″.

DHL has opted for the LCD configuration for the most recent aircraft (463), which is equipped with an Ancra cargo loading system. Solenta will induct the aircraft into its fleet of ATR freighters which fly on behalf of DHL in mostly inter-African regional service, connecting Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Mauritania. IPR says it has orders for at least three more ATR72 LCD conversions with Ancra cargo systems.


(Charles Kauffman - CargoFacts)

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