Air Vanuatu receives its first ATR 72-600
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 2 ATR 72-500s in its fleet.
Commenting on the delivery, 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.
- 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)
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.
Joseph Laloyer, Chief Executive Officer of Air Vanuatu, declared: “We are very pleased to propose to our passengers the newest standards of comfort of the ATR -600s, both over our national destinations at Port Vila and the islands of Santo and Tanna, as well as to the surrounding countries. As an airline, we will benefit from the ATR -600’s enhanced performance, recognized fuel efficiency and lowest environmental impact in its category.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “Air Vanuatu has been operating our aircraft for more than ten years. We are very pleased that our newest aircraft model will continue strengthening links between communities and developing business and economic opportunities in Vanuatu.”
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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.