The Hindu Business Line : First Flight Couriers leases 3 ATP freighters from BAE

FIRST Flight Couriers Private Ltd (FFCL) has signed long-term leases with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for three ATP Freighters, which will be used by the company to start its domestic freighter operations.

The three aircraft (msn 2039, 2051 and 2054) will be delivered from the second quarter of 2006 and will be configured as E-Class bulk freighters.

In addition to leasing the aircraft, FFCL has signed up for a Material and Component Repair and Overhaul support contract, as well as a full suite of customer training packages from Regional Aircraft, which is responsible for customer support, engineering and asset management activities covering 160 customers operating over 1,100 aircraft in addition to managing a trading and leasing portfolio of some 350 aircraft.

An official statement quoting Mr R.K. Saboo, Deputy Managing Director, FFCL, said: "We are poised to enter a new phase of growth with the creation of our own domestic freight airline. By having our own aircraft, dedicated to carrying our own shipments, we can tailor our products to offer an even better level of service to our customers. The ATP Freighter is the best aircraft in the 8-tonne class, and we are pleased with the support we have received from BAE Systems."

Founded in 1986, First Flight Couriers has 721 offices at 1,800 destinations in the country and serves 229 countries worldwide. FFCL has over 8,000 employees and handles over 150 million shipments every year. Mr Paul Stirling, Senior Vice-President, Asset Management of BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, said: "At a time of sustained economic growth in India, First Flight's timing looks to be perfect as it seeks to provide a new level of customer service to the growing industrial and commercial base in the country."