Air Calédonie receives its first ATR 72-600
Air Calédonie and ATR started a long-term partnership in 1986, when the first ATR 42 began operations to develop inter-island services. Today, 30 years later, with the entry into service of the latest generation ATR 72-600 turboprops, the airline will complete and gradually replace the existing ATR fleet, increasing the passenger capacity while offering the highest level of comfort to its customers.
Samuel Hnepeune, Chief Executive Officer of Air Calédonie, stated: “Today's delivery represents another important step in the company's strategy to build strong foundations for the future. The decision to continue with ATR for our short-haul inter-island operations underpins Air Calédonie’s plan to outfit a fleet of the most fuel-efficient and reliable aircraft. The ATR -600 series family’s outstanding operational effectiveness and comfort make it the right choice for our airline.”
“We are proud to support Air Calédonie in its period of growth,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “With the introduction of these modern ATR-600 series airplanes, Air Calédonie is, again, demonstrating its confidence in our product which has proven to be a reference for airlines around the world. Air Calédonie is undertaking a major change and we are pleased to watch the ATR 72-600 becoming an integral part of the airline’s success.”
The new ATR 72-600 is planned to open up its first commercial service on December 7th, departing from Magenta Airport to Koné Airport in New Caledonia, then to conduct on average 26 return flights per week.
About Air Calédonie :
Air Calédonie is the main airline which operates a regular service within New Caledonia's domestic network. Its major vocation is to ensure territorial continuity, to sustain economic and tourism development. Serving 9 destinations from Magenta airport in Noumea, the airline was created in 1954 by a group of airline enthusiasts. Today, Air Calédonie transports no less than 440,000 passengers per year and 1,900 tons of freight, thanks to professionalism of 368 staff. For more information please visit www.air-caledonie.nc
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.