ACIA Aero Leasing, Solenta expand relationship with DHL Express
Solenta Aviation to operate 4 additional converted ATR 72-500 freighters on the West African route.
ACIA Aero Leasing, a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services, and Solenta Aviation, a South Africa-based leader in specialised aviation services, have expanded their existing relationship with DHL Express.
DHL Express, which is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, agreed with ACIA to acquire and convert a fleet of four ATR 72-500 aircraft into large cargo door (LCD) freighters and with Solenta, which runs the entire West Africa regional fleet on behalf of DHL Express, to operate these aircraft.
Mick Mooney, CEO, ACIA Aero Leasing says: "ACIA is exceptionally well positioned to deliver on this fleet renewal programme for DHL Express alongside our partners at Solenta. The companies will leverage the ACIA Group's proprietary intellectual property for LCD freighter conversion, owned by IPR Conversions, and extensive experience in delivering converted freighters to airline customers on time," says a release from ACIA.
Paul Hurst, Managing Director, Solenta Aviation adds: "We are delighted to join forces with ACIA again to expand our long-standing partnership with DHL Express during such an exciting time for the air cargo industry. The renewal of this partnership is a testament to our track record in operating this key part of DHL Express' route network in these challenging jurisdictions."
The first of the four upgraded freighter was converted by Springer Aerospace based in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada, bringing the total number of ACIA aircraft in operation by DHL Express to nine, the release added. "These aircraft are currently based in DHL hubs in Gabon, Togo, and the Ivory Coast and operated in the Latin American and African markets. The remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023."
Adriaan (Riaan) Vorster, Head of Aviation, Sub-Sahara Africa, DHL Express says: "We're delighted to entrust ACIA and Solenta with this fleet upgrade. Solenta has been operating our West African route network for the best part of the past two decades, and we rely upon both companies' experience and professionalism to uphold DHL Express' most rigorous standards and expectations. We look forward to our continued long-term collaboration."
ACIA currently has 25 ATR 72 family aircraft in its portfolio including six of the -600 and 16 of the -500 variants. The aircraft are operated as passenger aircraft by Green Africa, Bestfly, and Pakistan International Airlines, and as freighters by Solenta, Silver Airways, and NXT Air, the release added.
