Since its founding in 2015, Amazon Air has grown rapidly to a fleet of 73 jet airplanes today transporting packages exclusively for Amazon.
Continuing on its expansion, the airline is acquiring ATR 72 turboprop airplanes to cater for short routes connecting small cities.
The ATR would be the third type added it’s to the fleet which consists of Boeing 767s and 737s which are preferable for longer routes.
Amazon has so far acquired three ATR 72s, all of which were converted to freighters.
ATR’s have grown popular for short-haul freighter operations with 110 converted freighters flying worldwide today.
Depending on the configuration, the ATR 72 freighters have a payload between 5.1 - 8.7 tones (11,200 - 19,200lb).
According to reports, Empire Aerospace which does operate cargo services to FedEx is likely to operate the ATR freighter services for Amazon.