EASA certifies ATR72-600F

On 3 December the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the type-certificate for the ATR72-600F, clearing the way for the first deliveries in Europe. It's expected other authorities like the FAA will follow soon.

The ATR72-600F is the first purpose-built freighter by ATR. The launch (and currently only) customer for the type is FedEx, which placed an order for 30 firm aircraft, with options for another twenty back in 2017.

The first ATR72-600F to be delivered will be c/n 1653, which is currently registered as F-WWEX. It will be delivered to contractor ASL Airlines Ireland, which will operate the plane as EI-GUL for FedEx. In total ASL will receive five ATR72-600Fs, while the remaining 25 will go to FedEx in the US and Canada.

Photo by French Painter.