Yesterday, the very first purpose-built ATR-freighter took to the skies for the very first time. The plane, an ATR72-600F, registered F-WWEX and with c/n 1163, flew from Toulouse-Blagnac for two hours before landing safely.

FedEx is the launch customer for the new type and has 30 firm orders and 20 additional options and delivery is expected by the end of this year, or early next year.

Although ATR passenger-to-freighter-conversions are not new, this latest version of the ATR comes with a window-less fuselage, a forward Large Cargo Door and a rear hinged cargo door. Thanks to this the ATR will be able to carry both bulk or container cargo, with room for up to seven LD3-containers.