Pakistan International Airlines ATR collides with parked Shaheen Airline plane

A Pakistan International Airlines aircraft collided with another aircraft at the Jinnah International Airport Karachi on Saturday, November 24th.  

According to local media reports, the PIA ATR turboprop aircraft was taxing near a hanger at the airport when it collided with a stationary Shaheen Airline plane, causing damage to both aircraft.  Local sources said that the engine and fuel tank of the ATR had been damaged and oil had leaked onto the apron surface. As a precaution, the airports fire service had been called and attended the scene to deal with any potential situations.

The civil aviation authority has been informed of the incident and there are no reports of any injuries to any staff or passengers. 

ATR and Air New Zealand explore the future of a regional aviation ecosystem including hybrid aircraft

European aircraft manufacturer ATR and Air New Zealand have signed an agreement to explore the role of new propulsion technologies could play in the future of the regional aircraft ecosystem.

Under the agreement the partners will investigate the development of these new solutions and the required systems to support them such as airport and regulatory infrastructure, maintenance, ground and flight operations. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says with New Zealand’s renewable electricity supply and Air New Zealand’s comprehensive regional network, the country is seen as the ideal test bed for these technologies.

“Hybrid aircraft are expected to enter the market in the next decade or so.  Depending on when hybrid and electric technologies become available for larger turboprop aircraft, we believe there is potential for these to be a viable option for our regional network.

Finnair invests in customer comfort with new ATR cabins in 2019 & new Premium Economy class for long-haul as of 2021

One of the leading Nordic airlines, Finnair is investing in future customer comfort with all new entire cabin of its ATR fleet of aircraft scheduled for 2019 and the airline will also introduce a new and potentially highly lucrative Premium Economy cabin class for its long-haul fleet. 

Finnair uses its ATR aircraft mainly on its domestic route network as well as on routes to the Baltics, to Gdansk in Poland and to Stockholm’s Bromma airport with the flights are operated by Finnair’s partner Norra. 

The new cabin renewal will include new seats, new carpets and a harmonised and fresh cabin interior design, “We want our customers to get a fresh Nordic experience on our regional flights,” says Piia Karhu, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience at Finnair. “The regional feeder traffic is an important part of the Finnair network – we have over 30 000 ATR flights every year.”. The first ATR aircraft with the renewed cabin is expected to be in operation in summer 2019, and the refurbishment of the 12 aircraft should be completed during the first part of 2020.

It isn't just domestic and regional passengers that will see a new cabin, Finnair will also introduce a new cabin class across its entire long-haul fleet from 2021. The carrier will bring a whole new Premium Economy cabin to that fleet that will feature highly customised designs and provide passengers with increased space and comfort along with an enhanced service offering. “We see a growing trend of quality-focused travellers, who place a strong focus on the comfort and quality of their travel experience,” adds Karhu. “Responding to customer needs from all our key markets, our new Premium Economy class will serve the requirements of both leisure and corporate customers.”  

The rollout of Premium Economy class to Finnair’s long-haul fleet starts in the fourth quarter of 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.  Detailed planning of the cabin design, service concept as well as the commercial aspects are currently ongoing, and the airline will publish these at a later stage. 

(Images Norra Regional Airlines / Finnair)

Manta Air to take delivery of two ATR 72-600s

The new Maldives airline will start flights with the latest generation ATRs

The new domestic airline in the Republic of Maldives, Manta Air, has secured its first two ATR72-600’s through Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) it was confirmed recently. The first aircraft will be introduced in November 2018, with the second planned to join Manta Air’s fleet before the end of the year. 

The aircraft will ensure improved connectivity between the beautiful Maldivian atolls and will be initially operating from the main Velana International Airport, to three airports: Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll and Thimarafushi in Thaa atoll.  

Edward Alsford, Chief Operation Officer of Manta Air, declared, “Manta Air is an exciting new domestic airline based in the Republic of Maldives. Our mission is to make flying an enjoyable and effortless experience by ensuring the highest safety standards are established and maintained. We are introducing two brand new ATR72-600’s aircraft into the Maldives. This demonstrates Manta Air’s dedication to high standards, and our commitment offers the best levels of service for our passengers. These aircraft benefit from having the most modern and comfortable turboprop cabin. Manta Air has taken the unusual step of removing a row of seats to provide our passengers with additional legroom in both economy and business class.”

A milestone for ATR

Last month, European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR marked a major milestone in the company's history. It delivered the 1,000th ATR 72 aircraft. which was handed over to IndiGo, India’s number one national carrier. 

 The ATR 72 was officially launched in January 1986, with the first delivery taking place in October 1989 for the Finnish carrier, Finnair. The program was launched with the ATR 72-200 (187 deliveries) before the ATR 72-500 (365 deliveries) was introduced in 1997, with American Eagle. Our latest model, the ATR 72-600 (448 deliveries), was launched in 2009, and entered service with Royal Air Maroc in 2011.

For more than 30 years, the ongoing popularity of the ATR 72 with our clients and operators testifies to the quality of our aircraft, and the many innovations it has undergone over the decades. Its operational versatility, its eco-efficiency and its unparalleled profitability to date have made it possible, with the ATR 42, to open on average 100 new routes annually, with a record figure of more than 150 in 2017. The ATRs have made a powerful contribution to developing and consolidating regional connectivity around the world.

ATR at Farnborough 2018

Hokkaido Air System Company, part of the JAL Group Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ATR for the purchase of two firm ATR 42-600s with an option for a third. 

It is planned that Hokkaido Air will begin operating these aircraft from 2020 to replace the airlines fleet of aging Saab 340's.  The carriers President, Yoichiro Kuwano said, “The ATR 42-600 benefits from a wide cabin, comparable to that of medium-sized aircraft and will significantly improve cabin comfort for our passengers. Also, the aircraft has extensive experience with operations in cold winter, which will increase the reliability of the operation in cold Hokkaido. With this new aircraft and the safe operation system we’ve established, we will continue to provide reliable and comfortable travel to local businesses and communities.”

Cebu to convert two ATR aircraft to cargo

Cebu Pacific has announced they will engage Switzerland-based IPR Conversions Ltd to convert two of the airlines ATR 72-500 passenger aircraft into freighter planes, which will make Cebu Pacific the only passenger airline in the Philippines with dedicated cargo planes.

"We will be able to offer cargo capacity that no other carrier in the Philippines can provide," said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific, "With the freighter aircraft, we will further support the growing needs of the logistics industry, especially as the Philippines' e-commerce businesses expand rapidly and look for faster delivery schedules." Cebu Pacific expects to receive the first of two converted aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2018. 

Mandarin Airlines adds a Global Maintenance Agreement to its partnership with ATR

ATR and Mandarin Airlines, a regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines, have signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). This comprehensive support package covers the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units, along with a door-to-door service through which ATR is providing transportation of spares to the airline’s facilities.  

 

This GMA covers the entire ATR fleet of the Taiwanese carrier, consisting of nine ATR 72-600s. World’s leading turboprop manufacturer ATR hereby reaches a key milestone of more than 300 in-service aircraft under GMAs. Through ATR’s flagship maintenance offer, Mandarin Airlines will benefit from an a la carte pay-by-the-hour maintenance package, with a high level of flexibility that makes it possible to meet a wide range of specific needs, depending on the operator’s local resources, fleet and expected operations.

20 ATR aircraft for Silver Airways

ATR announces its first deal of 2018 which sees the introduction of the ATR -600 series in the US, to be operated by Silver Airways. The airline will introduce 20 ATR -600 aircraft into its fleet, of which 16 will be ATR 42-600s and four will be ATR 72-600s. This follows a deal between ATR and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) for the purchase of 15 ATR -600s, of which 12 will be ATR 42-600s and three will be ATR 72-600s. These aircraft, along with five from an existing order between ATR and NAC, will be leased to Silver Airways, making them the first operator of ATR -600 series aircraft in the US.

The aircraft order is also particularly significant given that it commemorates the 100th new aircraft order that NAC has placed with the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer. It is further testament to the lessor’s commitment to strengthening its position as the global leader in the regional aircraft leasing space.

The delivery and subsequent entry into service of the first -600 aircraft under the livery of Silver Airways will take place in March of this year. The aircraft, an ATR 42-600, will be configured with 46 seats in a 2-2 seating configuration, with a pitch of up to 32 inches. The remaining deliveries are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2020. Crew training will be conducted by ATR at its new training facility in Miami, which is home to a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the ATR -600 series aircraft. 

Mandarin Airlines introduces its new ATR fleet

Mandarin Airlines, a member of the China Airlines Group, organised a ceremony in Taiwan to introduce the first two aircraft of its new ATR fleet to more than 300 guests, including representatives of the local government. Our CEO Christian Scherer, along with Taiwanese media and senior officers of the aviation, travel and hotel industries were present at this event hosted by China Airlines Chairman Nuan-hsuan Ho and Mandarin Airlines Chairman Shih-chien Hsieh.

This brand new fleet is expected to enter into service before the Chinese New Year to respond to the holidays’ associated traffic surge. The inaugural flight will be between Kaohsiung and Magong. With the most fuel and cost-efficient aircraft on the market, the China Airlines Group will increase its overall carrying capacity on domestic routes, with more seats on more frequent services to help boost customer satisfaction.

ATR Delivering aircraft to the other side of the world!

Friday the 15th of December marked the delivery of the latest ATR 72-600 to Air Calédonie at the Final Assembly Line B in St Martin with VIPs from ATR, Air Calédonie and Pratt & Whitney in attendance. This is the latest delivery in a partnership that stretches back for over 30 years as this airline was one of our earliest customers. Since then, Air Calédonie have progressively expanded and upgraded their fleet and the evolution of this relationship is a true measure of the quality of our products.

Air Calédonie represents just one of many airlines who use their ATR fleets for inter-island operations. Our aircraft’s ability to take off and land from short and unpaved runways, as well as its unrivalled economics, make it particularly attractive to island operators. It is also the only regional turboprop to have received its ETOPS120 certification which allows it to fly for long distances on one engine, opening up new possibilities, in terms of routes, to many inter-island operators. These characteristics explain why our aircraft are so popular with airlines in France’s Outre Mer as well as those flying island routes in Indonesia, the Caribbean, the Canary Isles and all over the world. This versatility once again illustrates why the ATR -600 series aircraft are the market leaders in Regional Aviation.

More pictures follow

FedEx Express buys up to 50 new ATR 72-600F freighters

Great news for the aircraft manufacturer ATR as the world’s largest express transportation company FedEx have signed a major contract for the purchase of 30 ATR 72-600s aeroplanes as well as an option for 20 further aircraft. 

These aircraft will be the first new ATRs to be directly delivered directly from the factory in a freighter configuration and further demonstrates the versatility of the popular propeller-driven aircraft. The new aircraft version has been designated as the ATR 72-600F and features a brand new windowless fuselage and is equipped with a forward Large Cargo Door and a rear upper hinged cargo door.

   The new cargo version of the ATR 72-600 will enter into service in 2020

According to ATR, the deliveries of the 72-600F's to FedEx Express will begin during 2020. These new ATRs are also the first ATR 72-600s that will operate in a cargo configuration, as well as being the first ones equipped with a large cargo door directly from the factory. 

The ATR 72-600F features a class E main cabin for cargo operations, and will support both bulk cargo and Unit Load Device (ULD) configurations. The ATR 72-600F has a bulk capacity of 74.6 m3, and when in ULD mode, can accommodate up to seven LD3 containers, or five 88” x 108”, or nine 88” x 62” pallets. The aircraft is also equipped with new reinforced floor panels.

The news story continues on - 

Air Tahiti and ATR celebrate 30 year partnership

There was much celebration as Air Tahiti and plane maker ATR celebrate 30 years of working together.  Since the very beginning, Air Tahiti has been one of the cornerstones of the ATR programme, with the arrival of its first ATR 42 in Tahiti on January 21st, 1987. At the time, the airline chose the ATR as the most efficient solution to the problem of connectivity presented by Polynesia’s islands.  Air Tahiti operates a huge network in a space as large as Europe. The ATR quickly proved itself, with its flexibility allowing it to be the optimal tool on the atolls’ short runways as well as for much longer journeys.

ATR and Air Tahiti have grown together, with the success of one creating new opportunities for the other. Throughout all of the technical evolutions of the aircraft, Air Tahiti has enriched its flight operations and opened new routes, with the longest connecting Tahiti and Mangareva (1,600 km). The reliability of the ATR, its easy maintenance, high comfort and low operating costs have continuously convinced the airline to expand its fleet with new aircraft.

Another new ATR for Binter

Binter the Canarian airline welcomed a bright new shiny ATR aircraft into its flying fleet today, the new ATR 72-600 will operate its first scheduled passenger flight this afternoon.  The new aircraft is called 'Virgen del Pino' loosely translated as Virgin of the Pines joins one of the largest ATR operating airlines in Europe and will be used to operate scheduled flights within The Canary Islands as well as on some of Binter's 11 international routes. 

Te presentamos el nuevo @ATRaircraft 72-600, bautizado como Virgen del Pino. ¡Bienvenido! pic.twitter.com/8yY8FtCmjZ

— Binter (@BinterCanarias) October 10, 2017

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ATR & Stobart Renew Deal

After ten years of cooperation, ATR, the world’s leading turboprop manufacturer, and the Irish regional airline Stobart Air announce the extension of their Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). This new six-year contract covers the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units, along with Propellers’ availability and maintenance.