Dublin based ACIA Aero Leasing has signed an agreement to deliver its first-ever converted ATR 72-600 LCD (Large Cargo Door) freighter to FedEx.
This will also mark the first conversion of this passenger aircraft type into a freighter (P2F). The aircraft, MSN1239, will be delivered by December 2025 and will enter FedEx operations afterwards.
Built through ACIA Aero Leasing’s in-house program, the former ATR 72-600 will feature a large cargo door and a custom rear flip door—design changes aimed at boosting efficiency in FedEx’s regional network. The aircraft is expected to enter service by December 2025.
The ATR 72-600 aircraft with registration 2-REJA (ex 5R-EJA) was part of the Air Madagascar fleet. This aircraft was imported by Air Madagascar in 2015.
The conversion, led by Singapore-based ACIA and its engineering partner IPRC, marks a first for the type. Unlike FedEx’s earlier ATR 72-600Fs—which were delivered new from ATR—the LCD version is a repurposed jet, signaling a growing trend in next-gen conversions.
Mark Dunnachie, SVP Commercial at ACIA Aero Leasing, called the aircraft “a tailored solution for high-frequency, small-market cargo ops.”, he said:
“As market leaders in the ATR pax to freighter conversion, we wished to reaffirm our position in this segment by delivering the world’s first converted 72-600 LCD. In partnership with our sister company IPRC, we are delighted to work with FedEx, the world’s largest operator of ATR freighters, as the launch customer.”
The aircraft will include specific modifications unique to ACIA’s 72-600 LCD, such as a large cargo door and a rear flip door designed by IPRC.
Dunnachie added,
“It has been a real pleasure to work with FedEx on this transaction, and we are excited about continuing to develop our excellent relationship over the coming years.”
In addition to incorporating the large cargo door, IPRC (100% subsidiary within the ACIA Group) also recently acquired the M7 design rights for the rear flip door.
This aircraft will therefore include this important modification allowing FedEx and other operators to fully maximise the ATR 72-600LCD freighter potential.
FedEx is the world’s largest ATR freighter operator and has been integrating newer 72-600Fs since 2020. Those offer 74.6 cubic meters of capacity in bulk setup or seven LD3 containers.
The new LCD variant is expected to retain similar payload while offering faster turnaround and better flexibility.
The P2F (Passenger to Freighter) project highlights how e-commerce demand is reshaping cargo fleets. With lead times for new aircraft growing, conversions like this offer a faster, lower-cost route to fleet renewal, especially for the high-yield, regional feeder ops.
Worth noting here, FedEx already operates more than 60 ATR freighters globally, including 24 ATR 72-600s acquired directly from ATR in Toulouse Blagnac.
