ATR is returning to the US market, with 20 of its Turboprop aircraft to join Silver Airways
Silver Airways ATR42-600 – Rendering, ATR
Silver Airways will lease the aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). 15 of the turboprops are assigned to a new order, whilst 5 are from an existing order.
The order will be split into 16 ATR42-600 aircraft and 4 ATR72-600.
The new order of 15 will be split 12 ATR42-600 and 3 ATR72-600s.
The order and leasing deal will mean that Silver Airways will be the first operate of the passenger versions of the ATR -600 series aircraft.
Entry into service will be quick, with the first aircraft – an ATR42-600 being delivered in March 2018. This will be configured with 46 seats in a 2-2 formation, offering up to 32″ seat pitch.
Deliveries of ATR aircraft will continue until Q1 2020. The crew will be trained ATR’s facility in Miami.
The new aircraft will replace the existing fleet of 21 Saab 340B turboprops.
In terms of quotes Christian Scherer, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer states
“It is pleasing to celebrate the New Year by announcing a deal that marks ATR’s comeback to the United States and we welcome Silver Airways to our fleet of operators.
We also extend our congratulations to NAC with whom we can celebrate another deal. We are excited that passengers in the US will now be able to enjoy flying in a modern turboprop and experience the comfort of the ATR cabin. With the US having lost some 400 regional routes in the last decade we are confident that Silver Airways’ passengers will certainly appreciate the pleasure of flying onboard the ATR -600 instead of the alternative of a very long drive!”
I’m slowly turning into a fan of the ATR family of aircraft – especially the -600 series which can offer a conformable passenger experience in the air in a limited space.
Have a look at my review when I flew an ATR72-600 with Aer Lingus… and you might be surprised how the ATR stacks up compared to some mainline jets in terms of comfort.
For ATR, with wins with FedEx and Silver Airways (via NAC), the long journey back to USA regional services is a step by step process. Hopefully one which will quicken with pace.
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Looks like Silver will not be the first operator of the ATR42-600.
Stobart Air ( Aer Lingus Regional ) took delivery of one of the type a couple of days ago from NAC. It was flown all white to Shannon, Ireland where it will receive the livery of Aer Lingus. It will then enter service on 4th February mainly on the carriers Dublin – Donegal PSO route
the ATR is already in service on a daily basis between the Hawaiian islands, flown by the Hawaiian subsidiary Ohana