KF Aerospace has announced an expansion of its air cargo operations with the acquisition of an ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighter.
This strategic move comes as the company prepares to fulfill a renewed 10-year contract with Purolator for the crucial BC Feeder Network.
The aircraft was acquired from ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA), a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services. It is slated to join KF’s fleet in April 2025.
Freight Contract with Purolator
This acquisition marks a key step in KF Aerospace’s commitment to modernizing its cargo fleet. The new contract with Purolator necessitates a fleet of three aircraft: two containerized and one bulk loader.
KF Aerospace had previously identified the ATR 72-500F as the ideal replacement for its aging Convair 580s. KF currently holds the type-certificate for the Convair. This foresight has allowed for a smooth transition to the new twin turboprop aircraft.
Tracy Medve, president and CEO of KF Aerospace commented on the contract award and the new freighter acquisition. “Following the awarding of our new air cargo contract, we have committed to a quick turnaround time to implement the fleet renewal.”
“ACIA has provided a quality aircraft that meets our needs in a very short period of time. This latest transaction represents our first acquisition from ACIA. Our business partnership extends back over many years, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with ACIA.”
Bulk Loading Configuration
The acquisition from ACIA proved particularly advantageous, as the aircraft is already configured for bulk loading. This pre-existing configuration significantly reduces the time and resources required to bring the aircraft into service. It allows KF Aerospace to quickly respond to the demands of its new contract.
Michael Mooney, chief executive officer of ACIA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We welcome KF Aerospace as a new trading partner for ACIA Aero Leasing. The Canadian market continues to present multiple opportunities for the ATR platform across both passenger and cargo requirements. KF is a key player in this market.”
“This sale to KF is the second ATR freighter delivered by ACIA to a Canadian operator in the last six months. It reaffirms our view that the customer base will grow as more and more Canadian airlines recognize the winning attributes of the type for the unique environment they operate in,” Mooney commented.
About KF Aerospace
KF Aerospace’s commitment to upgrading its fleet is evident. The company has already completed a full cargo door conversion on its first ATR 72-500F at its main facility in Kelowna. The carrier will source a third aircraft later this year. This will further solidify KF’s capacity to handle the increased demands of its Purolator contract.
For over 54 years, KF Aerospace has been a trusted provider of innovative aircraft solutions for a diverse clientele. This has included corporate, commercial, and military customers worldwide.
Their impressive portfolio includes partnerships with industry giants like Boeing, major airlines such as WestJet, Sunwing, Air Canada, Lynden Air Cargo, and Icelandair, as well as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
From its beginnings in the Okanagan Valley, KF has evolved into a specialized organization offering a comprehensive range of services. These include aircraft maintenance and modifications, military aircrew training, passenger charter services, cargo flight operations, and leasing.
KF Aerospace’s commitment to excellence was recently recognized in 2023. The RCAF selected the company and its partner, CAE, under the SkyAlyne banner, as the preferred bidder for its Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.
The acquisition of the ATR 72-500F and the ongoing fleet modernization efforts demonstrate KF Aerospace’s proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and solidifying its future in the aviation landscape.
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