Air Tahiti expands fleet with additional ATR 72-600 and confirms order for two ATR 42-600S
Toulouse, 14 October 2022 â Worldâs number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR and Air Tahiti today announced the signature of a firm order for one ATR 72-600 and confirmed a deal for two ATR 42-600S â for âSTOLâ, Short Take-Off and Landing.
For over 65 years, Air Tahiti has been offering essential connectivity to the communities of French Polynesia. Strong supporter of the ATR for more than 30 years, operating a fleet of 10 aircraft, it became the launch customer of the ATR 42-600S at the Paris Air Show in 2019. These additional aircraft will enable the airline to offer higher frequencies, but also higher capacity, as the ATR 42-600S will enable access to destinations with short runways, like Maupiti, using 100% of the aircraft load capacity.
Manate Vivish, Air Tahitiâs General Manager, stated: âAir Tahiti has been supporting the social and economic development of French Polynesia for 65 years, offering its local communities a quick and affordable access to fresh produce, health, education and culture, whilst also boosting tourism. Our ATR fleet has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve this essential mission, and will continue to be as we keep growing and offering further sustainable connectivity.â
âRenewed confidence from a long serving customer, such as Air Tahiti, is the best recognition of the efforts we are making every day to offer the most efficient, comfortable and sustainable regional aircraft, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets,â added Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATRâs Chief Executive Officer. âAt ATR, we invest in technology that brings affordable regional mobility while meeting stakeholdersâ sustainable objectives â and the ATR 42-600S is a clear demonstration of this approach.â
There are 1,000 airports around the world with runways between 800 and 1,000m that the ATR 42-600S will be able to access. The manufacturer has started test flights earlier this year, and the first deliveries are expected for end 2024.
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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 ATRâs 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.