newstodate.aero

Sep 20, 2019 (newstodate): The Latvian carrier RAF-Avia is fighting hard to source one more ATR freighter to its fleet.
   -We are currently operating one ATR 72-600F aircraft and have long been looking around for another aircraft of this type, says Jelena Rigere, RAF-Avia Commercial Director.
   -This has, however, proved to be a challenge. There are very few freighters of this type in the market, and currently only one that is unfortunately equipped with intermediate propellers that would require considerable costs to upgrade from P&W 124 to P6W 127, which is not attractive for us.
   -There are plenty of ATR 72-600 aircraft in passenger version, but conversion takes time and is, again, a very costly solution. Also ATR 72-500 aircraft abound, but only in passenger version.
   -In the fleet of RAF-Avia are still four AN-26 freighters, with two operating in Ukraine and one operating for DHL and a fourth aircraft serving as back-up capacity. The aircraft are very versatile and rather inexpensive to maintain, given their low level of complexity.
   -Finally, we are bringing one SAAB340 freighter back into the air after re-engining, while a second SAAB340 aircraft was redelivered to the lessor in May, says Ms Rigere.