newstodate.aero
Apr 24, 2008 (newstodate): The Lithuanian carrier Aviavilsa sees ATR-72 freighters as a potential replacement for its current AN-26 aircraft.
The carrier is currently in a validation process with EASA to secure its AN-25 operations in EU markets, but even if successful Aviavilsa is still looking ahead for a future successor.
-It is actually hard to really replace the AN-26 that offer the unique benefit of ramp loading which cuts the time required for loading or unladig its 5.5 tonnes of cargo to as low as some four minutes, says Virgilius Pliaukste, Avivilsa technical director.
Besides two AN-26 aircraft, Aviavilsa, based at Vilnius Airport, currently operates one ATR-42-300F freighter with large cargo door, and is in the market to add a second aircraft shortly.
The carrier is currently in a validation process with EASA to secure its AN-25 operations in EU markets, but even if successful Aviavilsa is still looking ahead for a future successor.
-It is actually hard to really replace the AN-26 that offer the unique benefit of ramp loading which cuts the time required for loading or unladig its 5.5 tonnes of cargo to as low as some four minutes, says Virgilius Pliaukste, Avivilsa technical director.
Besides two AN-26 aircraft, Aviavilsa, based at Vilnius Airport, currently operates one ATR-42-300F freighter with large cargo door, and is in the market to add a second aircraft shortly.