Turboprop planemaker ATR has delivered its first new ATR72-600 aircraft to the Asia Pacific region.
The new regional aircraft was purchased by Singapore-based leasing company Avation Plc and will be operated by Skywest Airlines on behalf of Virgin Australia.
Avation Plc has placed firm orders for nine ATR72-600 aircraft, which will all be operated on Virgin Australia’s domestic routes, along with options to purchase another eight.
“Today’s delivery to Avation is significant not only because this is the first ATR72-600 to go to the Asia Pacific region but because of the growing importance of Avation as an ATR customer,” said Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR.
“There has been very positive feedback from passengers who have travelled on the ATR72-500s in Australia, and the enhanced comfort of the new 600 series model should contribute to continued favourable reaction to ATR services. Avation’s commitment to expand with ATR72-600s is a significant vote of confidence in our aircraft,” he added.
The new ATR72-600 will be able to fly 68-74 passengers up to 1,665km.
