Fred Shed - so what's wrong with the ATR42? That's a much more common aircraft (loads more type-rated pilots), with a choice of contractor for cargo conversion (Aeronavali in Venice and SOGERMA in Bordeaux), whereas for the ATP it's Westair Sweden or Westair Sweden - and it comes with a growth option to the 72 series... Plus a proper glass cockpit.
So it is all down to £££££ or does Emerald know something we don't?
Cheers