Tag: -600

Maldivian Airlines updates regional fleet with additional ATR 42-600 order

September 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, September 19, 2023 – Maldivian Airlines, the national airline of the Maldives and the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, have signed a firm order for two ATR 42-600 aircraft. These highly-efficient new aircraft will join the airline existing regional fleet, including two ATR 72-600 and one ATR 42-600, to replace older generation turboprops.

With these modern aircraft, powered by extra efficient PW127XT engines and featuring a spacious and appealing cabin, Maldivian will offer further reliable and affordable connectivity to the archipelago’s communities and businesses, contributing to the Maldives’ economic dynamism while lowering emissions.

About Maldivian

Maldivian, the national airline of the country embodies the spirit of the Maldives by providing exceptional air travel services that showcase the natural beauty and warm hospitality of the island nation. The airline is the leading domestic carrier with a scheduled network comprising of 16 domestic sectors. Maldivian operates the largest wheel-based fleet in the country which includes DeHavilland Dash 8 and ATR aircraft. Maldivian Seaplane, which consists of DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, further enhances the airline’s domestic operation by providing specialized tourist air transportation service connecting customers directly to the doorstep of their chosen resort. Operating from its hub in Male’, the airline provides international scheduled flights to cities in India and Bangladesh.

Air New Zealand signs for two ATR 72-600’s plush options

August 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France August 25, 2023 – National flag carrier Air New Zealand (OTC: ANZLY) and world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of a firm order for two brand new ATR 72-600 plus options for two more. Deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. Air New Zealand will then operate the fourth largest ATR fleet worldwide.

These additional aircraft will support the airline’s growth, further strengthening its network across New Zealand. The lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, these brand new ATR’s will be equipped with PW127XT engines, delivering an additional 3% fuel burn reduction compared to previous engine version, enabling a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-size regional jets.

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today the airline has 104 operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320’s to ATR’s and Q300’s. Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the U.S., and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges.

US-Bangla Airlines boosts ATR fleet availability with Global Maintenance Agreement

July 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, 17 July 2023 – Largest private Bangladeshi carrier US-Bangla Airlines and world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) to further optimize the airline’s maintenance costs and boost the reliability of its fleet of eight ATR 72-600’s. The five-year pay-by-the-hour contract covers the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units, along with the availability and maintenance of propellers and leading edges.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines said: “Reliability, on-time performance, customer experience and safety are of paramount importance to US-Bangla. As US-Bangla celebrates its 9th Anniversary there is no better time to announce that we are strengthening our cooperation with ATR through this Global Maintenance Agreement. We are hopeful that this partnership will further optimise the reliability of our ATR fleet while reducing operating costs – creating a win-win partnership. Both our teams have worked relentlessly to innovate a commercial model which we hope will stand the test of time and be a new benchmark in aviation”

For over 25 years, the ATR GMA has been significantly boosting regional airlines’ operations and reducing maintenance costs through improved parts availability, advice on maintenance practices, troubleshooting and insightful engineering analysis.

Air New Zealand Receives 1,600th ATR Aircraft Delivery

December 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France – In the same month as it celebrated its 40 year anniversary, ATR has reached another impressive milestone in its history, delivering its 1,600th aircraft to national flag carrier, Air New Zealand (OTC: ANZLY). This delivery highlights the enduring strength of the ATR program, providing essential connectivity to communities all over the world. It also proves the value of the ATR 72-600 at serving domestic routes in New Zealand as it is the last of 29 aircraft ordered.

While ties between the two companies initially began some 25 years ago with the delivery of first generation ATR’s, this last decade has seen the forging of closer ties, with the delivery of the 29 dash 600 aircraft and through an important collaboration that enhanced the aircraft’s approach capabilities.

The introduction of the RNP AR 0.3/0.3 feature, part of ATR’s latest Standard 3 avionics suite, helped the airline and its pilots with the accuracy of the approach into Queenstown airport and providing reliable connectivity to the local community, who benefit greatly from ski tourism in the mountainous region.

Sustainability is also a key concern for both airline and manufacturer, with Air New Zealand having chosen the ATR 72-600 for its fleet as it burns 40% less fuel and emits 40% less CO2 than a similarly sized regional jet. This shared commitment to further enhancing eco-efficiency led to an agreement to work together to explore the future of the regional aviation ecosystem, including hybrid aircraft in 2018.

Azul Receives Certification for First E195 Adapted Cargo Aircraft

September 27, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

– Four aircraft to be converted initially to support the company’s e-commerce solutions

Azul S.A., “Azul” (NYSE: AZUL), announces today that it has received certification for the world’s first Embraer E195 adapted dedicated cargo aircraft. The first aircraft began commercial services on Saturday, September 26th. Another three aircraft are expected to be adapted by the end of 2020, delivering a unique and focused solution to the Company’s e-commerce customers. Two of the four planes have already been dedicated to an e-commerce provider for a period of at least six months.

The four E-jets will join the Company’s two dedicated Boeing 737-400 freighters, for a total of six aircraft dedicated for Azul Cargo Express, Azul’s cargo business unit. In addition, the Company’s dedicated fleet capabilities are further expanded by its five ATR 72-600 Quick-Change aircraft. These dedicated cargo aircraft, together with belly capacity on Azul’s passenger network, the largest in Brazil, gives the Company’s customers exclusive access to the broadest, fastest and most efficient range of logistics services.

“We are excited to continue diversifying our business model with the adaptation of these four Embraer aircraft. The size, range, and performance of the E195, gives it the perfect combination of payload capacity, volume capacity and low trip-cost economics allowing fast and efficient logistics access all around Brazil. We are seeing record demand for the services provided by Azul Cargo Express and are pleased to innovate to further meet the needs of our customers. With the combination of our dedicated aircraft, belly capacity on the largest domestic network in Brazil, and our extensive ground partnerships, we are ready to meet the growing need of all our logistics and especially all our e-commerce customers. Our logistics solutions have the potential to transform e-commerce in Brazil”, says John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul.

ATR Launches Short Take-Off and Landing 42-600’S

October 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Leading turboprop manufacturer’s Board of Directors approves the launch of brand new STOL version

Juan-les-Pins, 9 October 2019 – ATR, the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, confirms it has received authorisation from its board of directors for the launch of the ATR 42-600S. With the ‘S’ representing STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing), this new version of the ATR 42-600 offers take-off and landing capabilities on runways as short as 800m with 40 passengers on board in standard flight conditions (*). This makes the ATR 42-600S the best performing aircraft in this segment.

To-date, ATR has recorded 20 commitments from operators and lessors for this ATR 42-600S variant. This includes Elix Aviation Capital as the launch lessor and Air Tahiti as the launch operator, as announced on the occasion of the Paris Air Show 2019.

The 42-600S is a brand new addition to the company’s aircraft family, alongside the founding members ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600, and the forthcoming ATR 72-600F cargo variant. The ATR 42-600S’ certification, is expected for the second half of 2022, with the first delivery expected immediately after.

ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli, commented: “Adding the ATR 42-600S to our family makes total sense and paves the way for the company’s future. There is a huge potential for 50-seater aircraft and the ATR 42-600S could help airlines widen their horizons, as it can reach up to around 500 new airports across the globe. This is clear illustration of our dedication in helping more people and more remote communities benefit from being part of a connected world and in a sustainable way.”

The principal modifications for the 42-600S will concern the introduction of a larger rudder, which allows increased control of the aircraft at lower speeds. The new version will continue to use the same engine as both the ATR 42 and 72. The ATR 42-600S will, however, allow pilots to be able to select between the ATR 42 and 72 engine ratings, meaning the aircraft can use increased power for performing STOL operations, or elect to operate more efficiently with less power on longer runways. The ATR 42-600S will also be able to symmetrically deploy its spoilers to improve braking efficiency on landing. It will also come with an autobrake system which will ensure that the full braking power occurs immediately upon landing.

With this new version, ATR forecasts to expand the addressable market by 25%, targeting new routes and the 30-seater STOL segment. There is a strong interest from airlines for a new 50-seater product capable of operating in more constraint conditions. Close to 500 airports have a runway comprised between 800-1,000m and could welcome the ATR 42-600S. The launch of this aircraft will benefit both passengers and airlines thanks to the increased regional connectivity that it will bring.

*15°C airfield temperature, sea level, dry paved runway and a route of 200NM.