60 Years Strong, 30 Years ATR: Air Saint Pierre’s Enduring Legacy
Throughout the year 2024, Air Saint Pierre has been celebrating two remarkable milestones: 60 years of operational excellence and 30 years as a steadfast operator of ATR aircraft. Established on the 6th of March 1964, this island airline has been the vital aerial lifeline connecting the remote community of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to the outside world.
As the primary gateway for the islanders, Air Saint Pierre provides essential air connections to Canada, facilitating access to critical services, supplies, and the wider world. In addition to passenger services, medical evacuations, as well as occasional search and rescue missions for lost boats, the airline’s freight operations are a lifeline, ensuring the island remains stocked with necessities, including cherished Christmas gifts during the festive season. And for 30 years now, the airline has been embracing the reliability, efficiency and versatility of the ATR 42 to do so.
Air Saint Pierre received its inaugural ATR 42-320 aircraft in 1994, replaced by an ATR 42-500 in 2009 and an ATR 42-600 in 2020, underlining the carrier’s consistent commitment to providing the highest levels of comfort and modernity to the 6,000 residents of this remote French territory located in North America.
Navigating the region’s challenging conditions, Air Saint Pierre’s pilots are known to be some of the world’s best pilots, harnessing the robustness and versatility of the ATR aircraft to deliver safe and reliable operations. With several weekly flights to Halifax, Montreal and St. John’s Newfoundland, the airline’s strategic flight schedule solidifies its role as a vital link between the island and the mainland.
Air Saint Pierre’s unwavering dedication to serving the island’s residents underscores the profound impact of aviation in fostering connectivity, accessibility, and community resilience. As the airline continues its legacy as a loyal ATR operator, its 60-year journey stands as a testament to the power of aviation in transforming lives and uniting communities, even in the most remote corners of the world.