One of the leading independent regional US airlines, Silver Airways, has just received Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transport certification to begin operations of its new 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft, making history as the first airline to operate the state-of-the-art aeroplane in the U.S.
The ATR-600 series aircraft are specifically designed for short-haul markets, but with the same look, feel and customer amenities of larger jetliners. Over the past year, Silver Airways has undergone a complete operational, fleet and customer service transformation and in doing so is reinventing the regional flying sector.
Silver Airways’ first regularly scheduled commercial ATR 72-600 flight departed Tampa International Airport (TPA) and arrived at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) on Saturday, November 23, 2019. Silver’s ATR-72-600 will initially be used to and from destinations in Florida and the Bahamas, and Silver expects to introduce the new aircraft in its Caribbean markets in 2020.
“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,” said Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum. “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 the Caribbean with the new larger ATR 72-600.”
“We are proud to be part of Silver Airways’ ambitions and expansion plans,” said ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli. “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% 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.”
“Nordic Aviation Capital is excited to see the ATR-72 in operation in the United States and we think the new aircraft will complement Silver’s operations well,” said Nordic Aviation Capital Chief Commercial Officer Jim Murphy.
Silver Airways first launched its new ATR fleet earlier this year with the 46-seat ATR 42-600, making history as the first U.S. carrier to operate the newly redesigned and technologically advanced, customer-friendly ATR-600 series aircraft. It had been nearly 25 years since a new ATR had flown in the U.S. It marked the first time revenue passengers have flown an ATR-600 operated by a U.S. carrier and the first time a fully independent U.S. regional airline has taken delivery of a new aircraft in many decades. The new ATRs provide Silver’s guests with unparalleled flying experience and reliability, and pilots with the industry’s most advanced cockpit.
To date, Silver Airways has taken delivery of its first seven of up to 50 ATR-600s, including six ATR 42-600s and one ATR 72-600. Future ATR-600 deliveries will be comprised of both ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s.
The new ATR-600 series aircraft are allowing Silver to expand its service in the Southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. By introducing the mission-specific ATR 42-600 aircraft with seating for 46 and ATR 72-600 with seating for 70, Silver has the unique ability to offer quicker direct flights to even more short and medium-haul leisure and business destinations in both domestic and nearby international markets.
The new ATR-600 series features the widest cabin in the regional aircraft market with a new ergonomic design and lightweight slim seats offering passengers maximum comfort with up to a 32-inch pitch offering more legroom than many mainline aircraft. In addition, Silver’s ATR fleet offers spacious full-size overhead bins for carry-on bags along with full-size lavatories, bright LED lite cabins and is quieter than regional jets. The new ATR-600 series also features the latest innovations in cockpit technology with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety and improved handling for pilots, as well as the latest in avionics technology. The state-of-the-art, all-glass cockpit further reduces flight crew workload and enhances situational awareness while providing better reliability, maintenance cost savings and weight reduction.
Silver Airways has codeshare and interline relationships with most of the leading airlines in the U.S. and many worldwide. The new ATRs provide superior air transportation with a level of comfort and quietness commensurate with the service of Silver’s worldwide airline partners.
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