KF Aerospace to update Purolator’s BCFN freighter fleet
28 / 11 / 2024
Source: KF Aerospace
Canadian express and logistics firm Purolator has renewed its contract with KF Aerospace for the operation of its British Columbia feeder network (BCFN) in a deal that includes the deployment of more modern aircraft.
The new agreement will last 10 years and will see KF Aerospace replace three ageing Convair 580 aircraft with three ATR72-500F aircraft – two containerised and one bulk loader configuration.
KF Aerospace said that the newer aircraft offer improved fuel efficiency and more flexibility in handling diverse cargo needs.
The aircraft operator will oversee the acquisition and conversion of the ATR72-500Fs, with one conversion already near completion at KF’s main YLW MRO facility.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Purolator, a collaboration that has grown and evolved over nearly half a century,” said Tracy Medve, president and chief executive of KF Aerospace.
“This new 10-year contract and fleet renewal demonstrates our shared commitment to providing reliable cargo services across British Columbia. The addition of the ATR72-500F aircraft will enhance range, capacity and efficiency, ensuring that Purolator’s mission of on time reliability is extended well into the future.”
Bryan Akerstream, director of business development at KF Aerospace, added: “The transition to the ATR72- 500F will provide greater operational efficiency and support Purolator’s ongoing efforts to deliver critical goods to communities across BC — and potentially help expand their business into other markets.”
The BCFN includes flights to Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo.
The two companies have worked together since 1976 when KF’s founder, Barry Lapointe, personally piloted a high-priority cargo flight from Vancouver to Toronto at Purolator’s request.
“Over the years, KF Aerospace has consistently supported Purolator’s cargo operations, including supporting Purolator’s entire Canadian network from 1994 to 2015,” the company said. “KF has been supporting the Purolator network in British Columbia exclusively since 2015.”
