Dublin, Ireland – May 29, 2024 - ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services and solutions, announced today the delivery of two ATR 72-212 Large Cargo Door (“ATR 72 LCD”) freighters to leading Australian FIFO and cargo air charter operator Aerlink.

Aerlink took delivery of the first ATR 72 LCD in January 2024, with the second aircraft arriving in May 2024. The aircraft will be operated for Qantas on an Australia Post contract. These aircraft bring the total number of ATR aircraft leased from ACIA to Aerlink to four.

“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 CEO. “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 are the perfect match for Aerlink’s cargo operations, setting the benchmark in terms of efficiency, reliability, and economics in this market segment. With excellent performance and higher capacity cargo uplift even on shorter operating field, these aircraft will enable Aerlink to land at smaller, unpaved runways, inaccessible by larger freighter aircraft, across Australia Post’s route network. ATR turboprop aircraft are also recognized as the most eco-friendly regional aircraft, delivering maximum operational flexibility and environmental efficiency.

“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 Officer. “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”.

About Aerlink

Aerlink holds the BARS (Basic Aviation Risk Standard) Gold certification and is CASA (Civil Aviation Service Authority) approved as an Air Services Operator (Part 121), Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (Part 42), and Maintenance Provider (Part 145). It performs these functions internally and for third parties. Holding ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) Annexure 19 is proof of adhering to the most robust safety and risk mitigation world standards.

Unlike the Dash 8, which features commonly in Australian fleets, the ATR is still in production. This ensures the highest levels of OEM (Originating Equipment Manufacturer) technical support, parts supply, and up-to-the-minute training. Aerlink’s ATR 72s and 42s share 90% common parts, a factor which, when combined with our in-house accredited maintenance division, results in less downtime. The ATR is manufactured in Toulouse, France, in a partnership between Airbus and Leonardo.   www.aerlink.au

About ACIA Aero Leasing

ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a subsidiary of ACIA Aero Capital (“ACIA Group”), is a leading regional aircraft lessor headquartered in Ireland, with offices located in France, United Kingdom, and South Africa. ACIA manages a portfolio of 70 regional passenger and freighter aircraft on lease to operators in more than 21 countries globally. Through our strategic partnerships, ACIA provides airlines with turn-key leasing solutions from dry leasing through to charter operations  www.aciaaeroleasing.com