KF Aerospace completes first ATR 72-500F for Purolator BC network
The aircraft is expected to enter service in late June, following completion of Transport Canada approvals.
Following a successful test flight, KF Aerospace has completed its first ATR 72-500F for the Purolator British Columbia (BC) Feeder Network. The aircraft features a custom paint scheme displaying the iconic Purolator logo, according to an official release from KF Aerospace.
The new nose-to-tail livery was applied at KF Aerospace’s maintenance facility at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), where the aircraft (MSN707) underwent a passenger-to-freighter conversion over the past year.
“This delivery marks an exciting step forward in our relationship with Purolator and our dedication to the continued success of the BC Feeder Network,” says Bryan Akerstream, Vice President of Business Development, KF. “We are proud to provide Purolator with a turnkey fleet solution made possible by the diverse capabilities of our teams from aircraft acquisition to major modifications, in-house painting, and flight operations.”
KF Aerospace will operate the aircraft under its contract with Purolator to deliver essential goods to communities across British Columbia. This is the first of three ATR aircraft set to modernise the BC Feeder Network, which is currently served by Convair CV580s, according to the official release.
With enhanced fuel efficiency and greater versatility for various cargo requirements, the ATR 72- 500 will help ensure continued reliability in freight operations across the province.
The aircraft is expected to enter service in late June, following completion of Transport Canada approvals. The remaining two ATR 72-500s are scheduled for completion later this year at the KF YLW maintenance facility, with the second aircraft already on site following an acquisition from ACIA Aero Leasing in February 2025.
“The addition of the new ATR 72-500F aircraft will enhance Purolator’s air freight capabilities, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service and meet the needs of our customers,” says Jason Dacosta, General Manager, Air Freight, Purolator. “With our strong commitment to environmental sustainability, we are pleased the ATR 72-500 will reduce emissions and lower our carbon footprint. We look forward to the positive impact this fleet upgrade will bring to our BC Feeder Network.”
The new livery also includes a KF logo on the fuselage below the tail, symbolising the company’s long-standing partnership with Purolator. This alliance dates back to 1976, when KF founder Barry Lapointe personally flew a high-priority cargo mission from Vancouver to Toronto at Purolator’s request, the release added.
Last year, KF Aerospace renewed its contract with Purolator for the BC Feeder Network. As part of the new agreement, it was announced that KF would operate the network with three ATR 72-500F aircraft.
