SKY express grows regional fleet with two additional ATR 72-600
- 1st aircraft delivered in December 2023
- 2nd aircraft expected before Q2, 2024
Toulouse, 11 January 2024 – Leading Greek airline SKY express took delivery of an ATR 72‑600 in December 2023, as part of a firm order for two brand new aircraft from the IOGR group. This marks another important step in SKY express’ development, as the airline is growing its regional fleet from six to eight ATR 72-600 and six ATR -500 for a total of 14 ATRs. The airline is planning further fleet modernisation in 2024.
Greek communities and tourists will both benefit from the reinforced connectivity across the region, as SKY express intends to offer additional flights each year, taking advantage from the aircraft family’s versatility, short runway capabilities, low operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions.
Captain Konstantinos Iliakis, Chief Executive Officer at SKY express, said: “As we continue to grow our regional fleet, we are delighted to operate the youngest ATR fleet in the region and we have commitments for further fleet standardisation and improvement early in Q1 2024. We are offering our passengers comfort and reliability, whilst reducing CO2 emissions and supporting the Greek tourism and economy. An important example of the priority SKY express gives to the environment is our choice to connect the Greek islands and main Greek destinations in a modern and sustainable way with our fleet of ATR 72-600, emitting 45% less CO2 emissions than regional jets, a choice that offers more travel options to/from those regional local communities.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “SKY express is, once again, placing its confidence in ATR for the extension of its fleet, investing in the most fuel efficient, versatile and cost-effective regional aircraft to open up new opportunities for Greek communities and tourists alike. SKY express’ growth also illustrates the dynamism of the regional market, continuous success of ATR in Europe, and a shared commitment to sustaining essential connectivity whilst tangibly reducing emissions.”
About SKY express
SKY express, is the double-awarded Greek airline in Europe for its continuous excellence and innovation by the ERA Awards 2023. It has the largest network of domestic destinations (33), while it consistently serves with its direct flights an ever-expanding network of 11 European destinations. It has signed major agreements with global carriers such as Air France, British Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Delta, American Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Condor, El Al, Turkish Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Air Transat and easyjet. Therefore, passengers from all over the world have the possibility to travel to Athens International Airport “El. Venizelos” and continue their journey to all the enchanting domestic destinations of SKY express. In 2024 its fleet will be including 27 aircraft, remaining the youngest fleet in Greece. The very important investments in its fleet confirm the company’s journey towards a sustainable future and its constant effort to reduce emissions, including through the good practices it continuously applies.
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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.