KF Aerospace acquires 3rd ATR 72-500 to fulfill Purolator contract

KF Aerospace (KFA) recently renewed a 10-year contract to manage Purolator’s BC Feeder Network (BCFN).

The contract called for a renewed fleet of three cargo aircraft – two containerized and one bulk loaded – to ensure efficient and reliable cargo service across the region.

Those requirements are now satisfied, KFA says, thanks to the acquisition of a third ATR 72-500 (MSN 685) from passenger and cargo airline FlyCAA.

In an announcement today, KFA says the ATR 72-500F aircraft was selected to replace the current Convair 580 fleet, for which KFA holds the type certificate.

The airframe for the former passenger aircraft was purchased during a maintenance visit to a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in France and arrived in Kelowna last month.

“The acquisition of this third aircraft represents a continued investment in the modernization of our air cargo fleet,” Tracy Medve, CEO of KF Capital Ltd., explained through a media release.

“As part of our fleet upgrade strategy for our long standing partnership with Purolator, this aircraft further supports our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and reliable service for Purolator’s BCFN.”

According to KFA, the aircraft is scheduled to undergo a large cargo door conversion in-house at the YLW facility and will enter service for the BCFN later in the year.

The work will include several modifications and upgrades to align it with fleet standards and ensure operational consistency.

KFA already completed a full cargo door conversion on its first ATR 72-500F and it completed its first revenue flight last month. The second aircraft will be brought into service this fall. All three aircrafts for Purolator’s BCFN will be operational and in service by 2026.