Silver Airways has cleared hurdles with the US Federal Aviation Administration and US Department of transport – clearing the way for the ATR72-600 to enter passenger service.
Silver Airway’s first new 70-seat ATR 72-600 – Named “Rocket City”. Image, Silver Airways
This makes the first time that ATR72-600 is cleared to fly in the USA.
The first ATR72-600 flew between Tampa and Pensacola airports on the 23rd November. Silver Airways will use the type initially from Florida destinations to the Bahamas.
The airline expects to send the type over the Caribbean in 2020
In terms of passenger experience, these will have seats pitched at 32″, with full overhead bins, full-sized lavatories and LED lighting. Outside, the aircraft is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines.
In quotes
Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum said
“This is an exciting time for Silver Airways and regional airline flying as we continue our fleet transformation and focus on providing the highest level of safe, reliable and customer-focused service,”
“Starting operations of the new ATR 72-600 aircraft is another great milestone for Silver Airways, ATR, our customers, our airline partners, the communities we serve and our team members. The ATR 42-600 has been well received and highly praised by our customers and team members this year, and we’re looking forward to even further expanding our world-class service with extended reach in the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean with the new larger ATR 72-600.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli said
“We are proud to be part of Silver Airways’ ambitions and expansion plans,”
“After the start with the 42-600, we will now see the 72-600 operating in the U.S., introducing the most modern standards of regional aviation at the most competitive cost. In addition, it is an eco-responsible aircraft that emits 40 percent less CO2 compared to a regional jet, which is making a real difference. As the leading regional aviation manufacturer we know how tough it is for regional airlines. That is why we do everything we can to support our operators, adding value in the cockpit, in the cabin and to the bottom line. We look forward to Silver being able to exploit that fully to the benefit of its passengers.”
Moving forward with ATR
Silver Airways earlier this year began their fleet replacement programme – with the airline initially introducing the ATR42-600 into its fleet.
Currently, the airline has seven ATR family aircraft (6 42-600 and 1 72-600) in its fleet, along with Saab 340 aircraft that will exit fleet. Silver Airways can flex up to 50 ATR Aircraft – which can be of either of the types.
With codeshares with American Airlines and Delta, things seem to be changing for Silver Airways as they transition to a modern fleet.
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May have to drop by TPA this week and see if I can spot one.
The ATRs are going to mean a substantial increase in seats for Silver, and even more ASMs if the faster ATRs let them get more flights out of each plane. It’ll be interesting to see how they can fill them – they’ve added Delta and American to their codeshare partner list this month (they already had United and JetBlue codeshares).