Photo credit: kfaero.ca
KELOWNA – KF Aerospace has acquired its third ATR 72-500 aircraft from the FlyCAA passenger and cargo airline.
The purchase enables KF’s requirement to manage Purolator’s BC Feeder Network as part of a 10-year contract that calls for a renewed fleet of three cargo aircraft – two containerized and one bulk loaded – to ensure efficient and reliable cargo service. All three aircraft will be fully operational and in service by 2026.
The ATR 72-500F aircraft was selected by KF to replace the current Convair 580 fleet, for which KF holds the type certificate.
“The acquisition of this third aircraft represents a continued investment in the modernization of our air cargo fleet,” says Tracy Medve, CEO of KF Capital Ltd.. “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 BC Feeder Network.”
Originally operated as a passenger aircraft, the newly acquired plane was purchased during a maintenance visit to an MRO facility in Toulouse, France and arrived at KF’s YLW facility in late September.
The aircraft is scheduled to undergo a Large Cargo Door (LCD) conversion in-house at KF’s YLW facility this fall before entering service for the BCFN later this year. The work will include installation of several modifications and Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), such as ADS-B and dual Flight Management System (FMS) upgrades, to align with fleet standards and ensure operational consistency.
The ATR 72-500F will be painted with KF and Purolator’s livery at KF’s YLW base.
KF has already completed a full cargo door conversion on its first ATR 72-500F for the program which completed its first revenue flight last month. A second aircraft, acquired from ACIA Aero Leasing, was already configured with bulk loading capability and will be brought into service this fall.
KF Aerospace has been in business for 55 years, and delivers aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide—including OEMs such as Boeing; major airlines such as WestJet, Air Canada, Lynden Air Cargo and Flair Airlines, as well as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
KF has grown to specialize in aircraft maintenance and modifications, military aircrew training, passenger charter services and cargo flight operations, and leasing. In 2024, KF was awarded with Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program as part of its partnership with CAE called SkyAlyne.
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