Regional airline Aer Arann has agreed to buy 10 new planes from French regional aircraft maker ATR over the next three years.
Aer Arann says the $180m deal is the third largest in Irish aviation history. The airline will replace and supplement its existing fleet of ATR aircraft, bringing its total to 20.
Managing director Padraig O Céidigh said the expansion would enable Aer Arann to develop its network further in to the UK and mainland Europe.
http://www.rte.ie/business/2006/0515/aerarann.html
Seem’s it’s a long time coming, with routes being announced and then withdrawn wasn’t this down to aircraft shortages? does this mean they are withdrawing the ATR-42 fleet then?
Maybe someone can find a link with more information, this was all I could find.
By: andrewm - 21st May 2006 at 19:41
Doubt they will get rid of ATR42 as some routes can only survive on a ATR42. Some of their Knock – Dublin services can barely manage to get good loads on ATR42. I know BHD-ORK is sometimes a ATR72 but ive seen ATR42 on alot.
Mind you is there much of a difference in Operating Costs given its only just a lengthened fuse.? Maybe just extra fuel costs? I realise has extra cabin crew but when comparing to say a full ATR 42 with that load in an ATR 72?
If there is a nominal difference maybe ATR 72 only would be good as givens them flexibility for increase in demands for routes without having to juggle the fleet. I would imagine a Fleet Operations Managers dream come true with just one type!
By: Zege - 21st May 2006 at 17:38
I don’t know about the new ATR72’s, but ex-Finnair/Aero ES-KRA (cn 126) got new registration some days ago. It is now EI-REJ. So it will be “new” ATR72 for Aer Arann? I don’t know if it already has left or is there still some test to do before delivery.
I took photos of the plane at May 9th when it was flying some test flights, and I think it still has same spectacular colour scheme. Only registration is changed.
By: Manston Airport - 15th May 2006 at 14:20
Brilliant news for Aer Arann.
James
By: bmi-star - 15th May 2006 at 13:31
Was the economic and sensible choice 🙂
By: jethro15 - 15th May 2006 at 12:48
Does this mean they are withdrawing the ATR-42 fleet then?
My information is no
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May 15, 2006 at 12:33 pm