Turboprop freighter aircraft: Cebu Pacific becomes first cargo LCC

Later this year Cebu Pacific will become the first low cost airline group to operate freighters. Cebu Pacific recently committed to two ATR 72-500 conversions and could potentially convert all eight of its ATR 72-500 passenger aircraft to freighters.

There are currently only slightly more than 100 ATR freighters in operation worldwide and the total large turboprop freighter fleet consists of less than 600 aircraft, according to the CAPA Fleet database. ATR is bullish on the cargo market and expects 460 turboprop freighters to be delivered over the next 20 years - a combination of newly launched ATR 72-600Fs and converted older models.

Demand is expected to be particularly strong in Southeast Asia. There are currently only 10 turboprop freighters in operation in Southeast Asia, compared to 400 passenger turboprops.