The carrier sets out to upgrade its fleet, commits to quality and suitability of ATRs for its short-haul operations
Spain’s Canary Islands airline Binter today signed an agreement for the purchase of additional six new ATR 72-600 aircraft, following their first batch for six ATR 72-600s in February 2014, bringing total orders for ATR aircraft to thirty.
The new ATR order is a part of the Binter’s fleet modernization and network improvements program. By progressively replacing its current fleet of aging turboprops with the modern and fuel efficient ATR-600s, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design.
Deliveries of the 72-seat ATR-600 aircraft commence this year and will be completed by 2017. Binter currently operates a fleet of 16 ATR 72-500s.
“For nearly two decades, the ATR have proven to be the right choice for Binter’s inter-island operations”, said Alfredo Morales, Binter Executive Member of the Board. “This additional ATR order underpins our strategic objectives on quality and operational economics. Superior comfort levels are guaranteed through the new Armonia cabin, enhancing customer satisfaction. That is our top priority.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer added: “We are pleased that Binter further confirms its confidence in the ATR 72-600 as the best aircraft for their successful daily operations. The winning combination of efficiency, reliability and comfort provided by the ATR-600s airplanes continues to delight customers and passengers worldwide and will do so for many years to come, with our consistent investment in the aircraft family.”
About the ATR 72-600:
Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)
About Binter:
Created in 1988, Binter starting operating its first ATR in 1989 on the Canarian inter-island network. As of today, the airline has got the largest, youngest and most environmental-friendly fleet of the archipelago. The airline, originally owned by Spain’s flag carrier Iberia, was purchased in 2002 by a local group of entrepreneurs. Their 16 ATRs represent one of the largest fleet of ATR aircraft in Europe, and have transported more than 35 million passengers, not only in inter-archipelago operations, but also with direct flights to Morocco, Portugal’s island Madeira and Cape Verde.
About ATR:
Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1500 aircraft. With over 25 million flight hours, ATR models equip the fleets of more than 190 airlines in over 90 countries. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and the Airbus Group. Its head office is in Toulouse. ATR is ISO 14001 certified. Visit the site at www.atraircraft.com. Follow us on YouTube: ATRbroadcast and on Twitter: @ATRaircraft
