Emerald Airlines is making progress with its fleet – with the airline signing with Chorus Aviation Capital for six ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft.
Aer Lingus Regional ATR72-600 (previously operated by Stobart Air) – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The first aircraft will join the airline later this month, with the remaining aircraft expected for delivery over the next 12 months.
I’m sure you’re aware of the ATR72-600 (as covered many times on this blog), but for those who are new to it, the Emerald Airlines configuration will feature 72 seats with a 31-inch seat pitch and fitted with the latest Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines.
The seats are supposedly “new generation” – when they are delivered we’ll find out what they actually are.
The ATR72-600 aircraft has a significant environmental advantage over regional jets and other turboprop aircraft emitting 40% less CO2 on short, regional flights.
Emerald Airlines recently signed a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, to support their “Dublin Hub” strategy – where the ATR72-600 aircraft will be used to connect regional destinations in the United Kingdom and beyond to Dublin, for passengers to travel onward to North America.
The agreement calls for ATR turboprop aircraft on the Aer Lingus regional routes with associated Aer Lingus branding and livery.
In Quotes
Commenting on the announcement, Conor McCarthy, Founder and Chief Executive of Emerald Airlines said:
“We couldn’t be happier with our partnership with Chorus Aviation Capital and look forward to taking delivery of our first six ATR72-600s.The ATR72 is an essential part of our strategy to offer high frequency, convenient, and affordable air travel across Ireland and the U.K.
ATRs have proven themselves in tough environments featuring unrivalled performances, leading edge comfort and an unmatched reliability. These are the right aircraft for our passengers and our airline and will be a great asset to our company. Having reached agreement with Aer Lingus and now having confirmation on our first delivery of aircraft, we are ready to hit the ground running and look forward to what the future has in store.”
Steven Ridolfi, President of CAC added:
“We extend a warm welcome to Emerald Airlines as a new customer to Chorus Aviation Capital. The Emerald management team has a wealth of experience in regional aviation, and we look forward to their success as an air service provider. We are honoured to be Emerald’s first choice as aircraft lessor.”
A smaller fleet to start with
Previously Stobart Air (the previous operator of Aer Lingus Regional) operated 12 ATR72-600 and one ATR42-600. It seems that Emerald Airlines is starting with just under half of that number.
It will be interesting to see how Aer Lingus and Emerald Airliens distribute their regional load -as well as how Emerald Airways show off their new fleet.
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