Summit Air Announces Arrival of Large Cargo Door ATR 72 Freighter

Summit Air is pleased to announce the arrival of their large cargo door ATR 72, the newest member of the Summit Air fleet. Summit’s new aircraft is the only ATR 72 freighter in Canada that features a large cargo door.

Summit Air’s new ATR 72 aircraft underwent a six-month refurbishment and conversion program by IPR Conversions Ltd. in Toulouse, France. As a result, it can now accept the industry standard, 108 inches by 88 inches, palletized cargo on its roller floor system for quick turnarounds and improved efficiency.

Summit Air invested $2.3 million USD in modifications and upgrades, including a next generation gravel runway kit and new modern avionics that allow for full GPS precision approaches.

“Due to regulatory and maintenance restrictions on some aircraft types, the local marketplace supply of cargo aircraft was changing,” said Lane Zirnhelt, COO, Summit Air. “Summit decided to secure a new aircraft capable of fulfilling the needs of the local customers while meeting all of the new environmental and operational requirements. The modified ATR 72 freighter was the ideal solution.”

Boasting a payload of almost 9 tons, coupled with industry leading fuel efficiency and low operating costs, Summit Air’s newest ATR 72 aircraft is bringing affordable freight prices to Northern Canada.

Summit Air currently operates two ATR 72s in full passenger configuration and has configured two other ATR 72s into full freighter aircrafts — one with a standard-sized, 50 inches wide x 60 inches high, cargo door and one with a large, 116 inches wide x 71 inches high, cargo door.

With this acquisition, Summit Air will now operate a fleet of four ATR 72s. The ATR 72 was developed and built by the France-based aircraft manufacturer, ATR, one of the world leaders for regional aircraft up to 90 seats.