Tag: 72 (Page 1 of 3)

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.

KrasAvia Boosts Regional Connectivity in Siberia With Two ATR 72 Aircraft

February 8, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, 8 February, 2021 – Russia’s KrasAvia started operating its first two ATR 72-500, the first ATR aircraft ever registered in Russia. Owned by the government of Krasnoyarsk Krai, KrasAvia is an airline based in Krasnoyarsk, the third largest city in Siberia, with a population of approximately 1.1 million people. KrasAvia operates scheduled and charter flights with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft on regional routes to Russia’s Far North from its Krasnoyarsk hub. The two ATR 72-500 have been purchased second-hand from Swedish lessor Erik Thun and the deal was arranged by Bertrand Lattes Aviation Capital (BLAC).

Air services are crucial to serve the remote regions of Siberia, and their challenging environment requires versatile and reliable aircraft able to take-off and land in extreme cold conditions. The route from Krasnoyarsk to Khatanga, near the Arctic Ocean, is one of the longest scheduled ATR routes (984NM / 1822km) – a four hour flight.

Andrey Egorov, General Director of KrasAvia, declared: “The acquisition of these two ATR 72-500 shows that we are ever more committed to improving our fleet and offering our passengers a smoother flying experience. They will replace our smaller Antonov An-24 and An-26 turboprop, which have reached over 40 years of service. Thanks to the ATR 72-500 versatility and modern and spacious cabin, we will continue to support the connectivity needs of the Siberian communities, with increased seat capacity and higher standards of comfort.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “All regions deserve the same opportunity to be part of a connected world, and ATR aircraft show unrivalled performance in connecting people and businesses responsibly. The entry into service of these aircraft is highly significant, as KrasAvia is the first public airline in Russia to purchase and operate ATR. We are truly glad to see our aircraft continuing to support regional connectivity in the country.”

KrasAvia is the third largest ATR operator in Russia, after UTair and NordStar, which respectively operate a fleet of 15 ATR 72-500 and five ATR 42-500. The total ATR fleet in Russia now totals 22 aircraft, with their operational versatility and reliability being strong assets for their operators, to the benefit of the communities they serve.

The newer ATR-72-500’s are quite the upgrade from the old Antonov AN-24 aircraft!

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.

First Ever Purpose-Built Regional Freighter Takes Flight

September 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

– The ATR 72-600F will provide cargo operators with advantages of the latest generation market-leading regional turboprop

ATR, the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today announces the successful first flight of its new purpose-built regional freighter aircraft. The flight took off at 14:00 from its Saint-Martin site and lasted two hours. During the flight, crew onboard performed a number of tests to measure the new aircraft’s flight envelope and flight performance. The first delivery of this aircraft will be to FedEx Express, the world’s largest cargo airline and express transportation company, who placed a firm order for 30 aircraft, plus 20 options, in November 2017. The arrival of this new freighter further cements ATR’s leadership position in the regional freighter market where ATR cargo aircraft already represent a third of the in-service regional freighter fleet.

The brand new straight-from-factory cargo aircraft will offer a number of unique advantages to operators. With a Large Cargo Door included as part of the original design and the same wide cross section as all ATR aircraft, the freighter will be able to accommodate bulk cargo and industry-standard pallets and containers. The aircraft will also provide operators with the very latest avionics suite, which can be continuously upgraded. This effectively futureproofs the -600F’s state-of-the-art cockpit by allowing cargo airlines to take benefit from future innovations, which will further enhance the aircraft’s efficiency.

Hawaiian Airlines to Focus on Critical Flights and Cargo Service

March 26, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Airline to serve San Francisco and Los Angeles daily
American Samoa weekly starting in April

Hawaiian Airlines is reducing its April flight schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a commitment to continue offering its guests and cargo customers essential service within the Hawaiian Islands and between Hawai‘i and California and the U.S. territory of American Samoa.

The airline will maintain a reduced but still robust schedule of Neighbor Island flights, while bolstering all-cargo service to ensure goods continue to reach communities statewide.

“As Hawai‘i’s airline, we understand that our operation is essential to the state. We serve both guests who rely on us for important travel and the transportation of critical cargo,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram. “This has been the hallmark of our mission for 90 years and our dedication to our guests remains unchanged as we look to overcome this global crisis together.”

Starting Sunday, Hawaiian’s long-haul transpacific network will consist of one daily nonstop flight between Honolulu (HNL) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), and one weekly flight connecting Hawai‘i to its Pacific island neighbor of Pago Pago, American Samoa (PPG). All routes will be operated with wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft.

The California routes present cargo opportunities to help maintain service for shippers affected by the reduction in passenger flights due to the state of Hawai‘i’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals starting tomorrow in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The HNL-PPG route maintains vital service for the territory of American Samoa.

Guests traveling on Hawaiian’s Neighbor Island network will continue to enjoy convenient options throughout the day with 41 daily roundtrip flights scheduled for April. From Honolulu there will be 38 daily flights, including 13 to Maui, eight to Kona, seven to Kaua‘i, six to Hilo, and two each to Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i. From Maui there will be one roundtrip each to Hilo, Kaua‘i and Kona in addition to Honolulu service.

Hawaiian’s schedule reductions for April resulted from the state of Hawai‘i’s quarantine entry restriction and the ensuing drop off of travel to and from the islands. Hawaiian is operating its regularly scheduled long-haul flights through today before it begins suspending routes tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Hawaiian has expanded interisland cargo service to facilitate the movement of essential goods ranging from food to medical equipment and machinery.

On March 3, a fleet of all-cargo ATR-72 aircraft operated by ‘Ohana by Hawaiian began offering flights five days a week between Honolulu and Kahului (OGG) on Maui and Kona (KOA) on the western coast of the Island of Hawai‘i. The new routes add to all-cargo service launched in summer of 2018 between HNL and Līhu‘e (LIH) on Kaua‘i and Hilo (ITO) on the eastern coast of the Island of Hawai‘i.

Hawaiian also utilizes its Boeing 717 passenger fleet to carry critical, time-sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals and Blood Bank of Hawai‘i shipments.

Hawaiian is still experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls from guests and respectfully asks that only those with immediate travel needs contact the airline for assistance. Options to reach Hawaiian’s reservations team, to make online changes to tickets, and to see a list of travel waivers are available at Hawaiian’s COVID-19 hub.

The airline also explains how it is keeping employees and guests safe by disinfecting aircraft and airport spaces, modifying boarding processes to prevent congestion at the gate, and adjusting in-flight services such as by distributing disposable sanitizing wipes.

US-Bangla Airlines Adds Two ATR 72-600 Aircraft To Fleet

February 12, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore, 12 February, 2020 – World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR announce that Singapore based lessor Avation PLC has converted two Purchase Rights into firm orders for two ATR 72-600 aircraft. The aircraft will be leased to Bangladeshi airline US-Bangla, the biggest private airline in Bangladesh and will support the expansion of the airline’s turboprop fleet by increasing the number of ATR aircraft from six to eight. In addition, Avation has further acquired an additional two ATR 72-600 purchase rights to replace those that were exercised.

This development will see the airline expand its operations using the most efficient and eco-responsible aircraft on the market, which burns 40% less fuel and emits 40% less CO2 than a similarly-sized regional jet. With the lowest seat mile cost in its market segment, the ATR 72-600 is the only profitable regional aircraft in low fares environments, and offers unmatched comfort in a modern, spacious cabin. Since incorporating their first ATR, the market response has been extremely good on their domestic network and their regional flights are supporting the growing Bangladeshi economy. Increasing the size of their ATR fleet also allows US-Bangla to increase their frequency on certain trunk routes, offering more choice to passengers.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla said: “Regional connectivity is essential in Bangladesh and the region. We are delighted that we can offer our passengers the chance to access new opportunities throughout the country. Operating the ATR 72-600 makes total sense in Bangladesh, we have received very good feedback from passengers and are very satisfied with the reliability and comfort of these aircraft. With the -600 series’ modern and comfortable cabin, featuring the latest 18” wide passenger seats, we are able to give our passengers a premium experience, which is essential for US Bangla.”

Executive Chairman of Avation, Jeff Chatfield, commented: “The economics of the ATR 72-600, its wide customer base and proven environmental credentials make it an extremely attractive asset for both lessors and airlines operating in all types of environments. We are glad to foster our partnership with US-Bangla and see them expand their regional footprint and develop connectivity in Bangladesh.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, remarked: “It is pleasing to have two satisfied customers at the same moment. US-Bangla are continuing to increase their fleet size, showing the unrivalled performance of the ATR in providing regional connectivity throughout Bangladesh. We continually develop our product to ensure that operators and clients are satisfied. Aircraft with high asset values are essential for lessors. So when Avation, with its market acumen and track record of placing aircraft, continues to order the ATR we know that our product is working for our customers.”

US-Bangla use their regional fleet to connect all of Bangladesh and feed their international network from Dhaka. The value of regional connectivity is proven, with a 10% increase in regional flights leading to a six percent increase in regional GDP and an eight percent increase in Foreign Direct Investment.

ATR Delivers First Ever Green Financed Aircraft

December 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

First of five new 72-600 orders by Braathens Regional Airlines

ATR, world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today delivered the first ever green financed aircraft to Swedish regional airline Braathens Regional Airlines, BRA. The aircraft is leased from Avation and is financed by Deutsche Bank. It is part of a new order for five 72-600s, all purchased by Avation from ATR and leased to BRA. Upon completion of the order in early 2020, the airline will itself operate an entirely ATR fleet, comprised of 15 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Vigeo Eiris, one of the world’s leading independent agencies providing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings, expressed the opinion that the project of replacing ageing regional jets with new ATR 72-600 aircraft is aligned with the Green Loan Principles (GLP) established by the Loan Market Association in 2018.

This first ever Green Financing of an aircraft confirms the high sustainable value of the modern ATR turboprop aircraft. The ATR 72-600 aircraft has a significant environmental advantage over regional jets and other turboprops emitting 40% less CO2. Turboprops are more efficient than jets on short sectors as they accelerate air using less power, so use less fuel.

BRA CEO, Geir Stormorken, remarked: “We have made a commitment to decrease our environmental impact and the ATR is an essential part of our strategy. With that as a goal, it simply makes sense to choose the most efficient aircraft. By replacing parts of our existing fleet of regional jets with ATR 72-600 aircraft we will emit 7,500 fewer tonnes of CO2 per aircraft, per year. We believe that aviation is an essential part of Sweden’s regional transport network and we look forward to showing our passengers and the Swedish public at large that there is a sustainable way of flying.”

Executive Chairman of Avation, Jeff Chatfield, commented: “As a lessor, it is essential for us to progress our fleet into new technology low carbon emission aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 which maintain their value over a long period. ATR is one of the best assets in terms of residual value retention in the business. BRA’s decision to consolidate their own operation around the ATR 72-600 aircraft type demonstrates their understanding of the regional aviation market and the importance of reducing carbon emissions. BRA is an airline that is leading the way in terms of striving to offer their passengers the best possible experience, whilst optimising operations and minimising environmental impact.”

“Deutsche Bank is proud to have played a key role in the first green financing of a commercial aircraft,” said Richard Finlayson, Deutsche Bank Head of Global Transportation Finance, Asia. “We’re hopeful that this leads the way for more sustainable financing activity in aviation, and increased adoption of lower carbon emission aircraft across the industry, to help make flying more eco-responsible.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “It is only natural that the first Green Financing deal for a commercial aircraft would involve an ATR and BRA. Thanks to the innovation of the ATR design, it inherently benefits from its lighter fuselage and the efficiency of its turboprop, meaning it burns less fuel and emits less CO2. It also makes sense that BRA, the leading voice on responsible regional flying in Sweden, would upgrade its own fleet to an all ATR 72-600 one, benefitting from these advantages compared to its rivals. We are proud to launch Green Financing in commercial aviation and lead the way in terms of innovation and sustainable regional aviation. We are thankful to Avation for having the foresight and flexibility to establish the operating lease for this series of aircraft deliveries.”

About Braathens Regional Airlines
Braathens Regional Airlines, is one of Sweden’s leading domestic airlines, with a Swedish market share of 30 percent. Braathens operates 26 routes to 17 destinations and carries more than 2,2 million passengers annually. Braathens’ On Time Punctuality is outperforming all other airlines in the world. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, BRA was awarded as the airline with the most satisfied passengers in Sweden. The airline was formed in 2016 after consolidation of several domestic air carriers, but the company’s aviation DNA reaches back to 1946 when the very first airline of the Braathen family was founded, Braathens S.A.F.E.

ATSB Australia Investigating Separation Incident at Albury Airport

December 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) says it is investigating a separation issue involving a Virgin Australia ATR 72-600 turboprop and Piper PA-28 light aircraft at Albury Airport.

The incident occurred on October 19 2019 when the Virgin Australia 72-600 VH-FVR was operating a regular public transport (RPT) flight from Sydney to Albury.

While passing through 1,300 ft and on a straight in approach to runway 25 at Albury Airport in visual meteorological conditions, the ATSB said the Virgin Australia turboprop received a traffic collision avoidance system alert on the PA-28.

The single-engine PA-28 VH-XDI, which was operated by the Australian Airline Pilot Academy, was turning final for Runway 25, the ATSB said in a short statement.

“The flight crew of the ATR 72 conducted a missed approach to increase separation between the two aircraft,” the ATSB said.

“As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview directly involved parties and obtain other relevant information, including recorded data.”

The ATSB described the event as a near collision and a serious incident. There were no injuries.

Further, it said the investigation was expected to be completed by the second quarter of calendar 2020.

However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB said it would immediately notify relevant stakeholders in order that appropriate and timely safety action could be taken.

The Australian Airline Pilot Academy is a subsidiary of Regional Express (Rex), which recently bought another pilot training school based in Ballarat, ST Aerospace Academy.

Virgin Australia had eight ATR 72 turboprops in its fleet.

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