Aerlink Expands Fleet with Second ATR 72 LCD Freighter from ACIA Aero Leasing

ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) has delivered the second of two ATR 72-212 Large Cargo Door freighters to Australian Fly-in-Fly-out (FIFO) and cargo air charter operator Aerlink.

Aerlink took delivery of the first ATR 72 LCD in January, with the second aircraft arriving this month, said the Dublin-based lessor.

The aircraft will be operated for Qantas on an Australia Post contract.

“This is an exciting transaction for Aerlink that will further bolster its diversified fleet of aircraft, leveraging ACIA’s track record of conversions across the ATR 72 regional aircraft family,” explained Mark Dunnachie, ACIA’s senior vice president, commercial.

“Our ongoing collaboration with Aerlink will further cement the carrier’s leading market position as Australia’s only operator of ATR aircraft and greatly enhance the freight and cargo operations of Qantas, fulfilling a crucial contract for Australia Post.”

“The ATR 72 LCD presents a significant opportunity for Aerlink, allowing us to diversify our offering in Australia and the wider region, which is evident in our ability to secure contracts with Qantas and Australia Post,” remarked Ann Elliott, Aerlink’s chief executive.

“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with ACIA and expanding our portfolio of leased ATR aircraft from them. In today’s ‘supply challenged’ environment, they have delivered a high-quality aircraft on time for our contract commencement.”

The ATR 72 LCD converted freighters will enable Aerlink to land at smaller, unpaved runways, inaccessible by larger freighter aircraft, across Australia Post’s route network.

According to Planespotters, Aerlink has a total of seven ATR 72s in service. Two of these are the freighters leased from ACIA, while the remaining five are passenger aircraft, two of which are again leased from ACIA. Aerlink further has a ATR 42 cargo aircraft in service.

“We see strong demand for regional freighters, especially the ATR 72 Family, because of the type’s ability to serve remote regions and challenging airfields. ACIA continues to be the leader in turboprop freighter conversions, and we expect to be at the forefront meeting this market demand into the future” stated Mick Mooney, ACIA’s chief executive.

“Aerlink continues to be a key customer for ACIA and we’re delighted to continue building our relationship with the Aerlink team and expanding our leased fleet with them.”