Silver Airways yesterday flew its first ATR42-600 in a commercial setting, marking its entry into service.
Silver Airways ATR42-600 – Image ATR
The ATR42-600 flew between fort Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Key West International Airport
Silver Airways are the first carrier to use the ATR42-600 in anger in the US Market (and indeed, the first US carrier to use a -600 family aircraft).
The airline has taken delivery of three ATR 42-600 aircraft from their lessor – Nordic Aviation Capital. The plane is configured in a 2-2 formation with 46 seats installed.
The first three mark the first deliveries to Silver Airways – based on an initial order of 20 ATR -600 series aircraft (split between the ATR72 and ATR42), with scope to increase up to 50 frames. These will replace the existing SAAB 340 aircraft used.
Silver intends to take delivery and begin operating five more ATR 42-600s in 2019, and subject to regulatory approval, the airline is planning to take delivery of at least three ATR 72-600s this year.
All of the initial 20 aircraft are expected to be in service by 2020. They intend to use the aircraft to expand its service in the South-eastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
In Quotes
Silver Airways and Seaborne Airlines CEO Steve Rossum states:
“This is truly a great day for Silver Airways, ATR, Nordic Aviation Capital and our customers that would not have been possible without the hundreds of dedicated men and women of Silver Airways and Seaborne Airlines who have worked tirelessly over the past year to arrive at this historic moment,”
“The new ATR -600 series aircraft will be transformational for Silver Airways and is ideal for our short-haul domestic and nearby international operations. The state-of-the art aircraft allows for a safe, highly reliable and efficient fleet operation and a superior overall experience for our guests.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli says
“We are proud to see the ATR -600 aircraft take flight in the U.S. and to introduce the most modern standards of passenger experience and regional aircraft with our valued partner Silver Airways,”
“We are grateful to our friends at Silver for being our U.S. launch customer; leading what we expect to be a new wave of eco-responsible and passenger-friendly regional travel and the return of the ATRs in the U.S.”
A step forward for Silver and for ATR
Silver Airways has been expecting these planes in service a lot sooner – but it seems that certification issues with the type with the US FAA have hindered its entry into service.
With that all done, work can begin on introducing the ATR42-600 into service and hopefully, bring the ATR72-600 along too.
With ATR working to introduce wider seats in a turboprop cabin as well as working on accessibility in the cabin – it seems a wise move of Silver Airways to stick with ATR.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European Frequent Flyer
Second paragraph:
“Silver Airways are the first carrier to use the ATR42-600 in anger in the US Market…”
Don’t know if I want to fly this airline if they use their planes in anger.
Kidding aside, thanks for the article about this under-the-radar airline. I had been wondering what was going on with their fleet renewal.