The national flag carrier Air Vanuatu has started operations of its very first ATR 72-600. The aircraft, leased from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), was recently delivered in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft is configured with 70 seats and is equipped with the most modern cabin interior and navigation aid tools. Thanks to the ETOPS 120 minutes capabilities (Extended Range Twin-engine Operations) of the ATR aircraft family, the new ATR 72-600 will be able to operate not only within the domestic network of the airline but to the surrounding territories of Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. ATR is the only turboprop manufacturer proposing ETOPS-120 certification on its aircraft, thus substantially increasing the operational versatility of the aircraft on inter-island operations.
Air Vanuatu started operating ATR aircraft in 2004 and today has two ATR 72-500s in its fleet.
Commenting on the entry into service, Martin Møller, Chairman of NAC declared: “We are delighted to see the first ATR 72-600 series aircraft start operations in Vanuatu, we believe that this aircraft type is the perfect complement to the airlines current fleet. We have great confidence in the -600 series and are pleased to play a pivotal role in introducing the latest ATR technologies to new territories.
Joseph Laloyer, Chief Executive Officer of Air Vanuatu, declared: “We are very pleased to offer our passengers the newest standards of comfort of the ATR -600, for both our domestic network and within the region. As an airline, we will benefit from the ATR -600’s enhanced performance, recognized fuel efficiency and lowest environmental impact in its category.â€
Tom Anderson, Senior Vice President Commercial and Customer Support of ATR, added: “Air Vanuatu has been operating ATR aircraft for more than ten years. We are very pleased that our newest aircraft model continues strengthening links between communities and developing business and economic opportunities in Vanuatu.â€
About the ATR 72-600
Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats
Engines: PW127M, from Pratt & Whitney Canada
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 shaft horsepower (SHP) per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 kg
Maximum payload: 7,500 kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 km)
About Air Vanuatu:
National flag carrier Air Vanuatu was established in 1981 and has its head office in Port Vila. The airline operates domestic routes as well as to Australia, New Zealand and points in the South Pacific. Its main base is Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila.
ABOUT ATR:
Founded in 1981, ATR is the world leader on the market for below-90-seat regional aircraft. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,500 aircraft. ATR models equip the fleets of over 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Airbus Group and Leonardo-Finmeccanica. Its head office is in Toulouse. ATR is ISO 14001 certified. For additional information, log on to www.atr-aircraft.com.
