IndiGo takes delivery of its first ATR 72-600
The introduction of the new ATR fleet goes in line with the Indian government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, which aims to boost economic development, employment and tourism by connecting small and remote cities. Under this scheme 100 new airports are expected to be created in the next three years.
The ATR 72-600 is the most popular regional aircraft in its category. Its unbeatable economics and operational versatility at small airfields makes it the perfect tool to support IndiGo’s plans to build its regional network in India. The ATR 72-600s feature seat and trip costs that are respectively 10% and 20% lower than those of other in-production turboprops. They also feature the most modern cabin interiors, specifically designed for ATR by the Italian firm Giugiaro, with thinner seats, larger overhead bins and LED lightening for an optimal passenger experience. With its new ATR 72-600s IndiGo will be able to offer their passengers affordable fares, while opening new routes throughout the country, thus contributing to developing local economies and strengthening social links.
Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo, said: “By taking delivery of this first ATR 72-600, we are now one step closer to the launch of our Turboprop operations by the end of this year. We are excited at the opportunity of once again being able to redefine air travel in India by bringing the reliability and efficiency of IndiGo’s operations to towns and regions in our country which so far have been devoid of reliable air service or have been subject to exorbitant air fares. My sincere thanks to the team at ATR. As we say at IndiGo, we are all set and TURBOCHARGED!”.
Christian Scherer, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “IndiGo is a much respected airline which pays particular attention to every single detail relating to quality. Today’s delivery to such a renowned airline underlines the quality and the suitability of the ATR -600 and shows why it is unrivalled in the regional market. IndiGo’s choice highlights their commitment to offering passengers only the very best at the lowest cost possible. India’s rapidly expanding domestic market represented close to 100 million passengers last year, and has been steadily growing by more than 20% annually. As the country is expected to become the world’s third largest market by 2020, we are proud of playing a key role in such an expansion of the air connectivity”.
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 IndiGo:
IndiGo is India's largest airline with a market share of 38.2% as of September 2017. IndiGo is one of the fastest growing low cost carrier in the world (source: CAPA). IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are always low, flights that are on time, and a travel experience that is courteous and hassle-free. IndiGo, with a Technical Dispatch Reliability of 99.85% (for quarter ended June 30, 2017) has one of the best On Time Performances in India. With its fleet of 143 Airbus A320 family aircraft, the airline operates over 900 daily flights connecting 46 destinations.
IndiGo is led by its President and Whole-time Director, Aditya Ghosh and is promoted by InterGlobe Enterprises and Mr. Rakesh Gangwal, an aviation industry veteran and entrepreneur. InterGlobe Enterprises is a leader in aviation, hospitality and travel related services‚ growing the market through innovation and service leadership. We build businesses and represent global brands that deliver quality and value. Established in 1989‚ with headquarters in Gurgaon‚ today InterGlobe has a network of 126 offices across 60 cities globally. InterGlobe employs more than 25,000 professionals across its businesses which include IndiGo Airlines (InterGlobe Aviation), InterGlobe Technologies, InterGlobe Hotels, InterGlobe Air Transport, InterGlobe Technology Quotient‚ CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (Advanced Pilot Training), InterGlobe Education (School for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) and InterGlobe Real Estate (www.interglobe.com).
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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.