SKY express to Begin Fleet Modernisation with ATR 72-600
Greek airline to optimise connectivity to islands with sustainable regional turboprop
Toulouse, July 1, 2021 – Market-leading turboprop manufacturer ATR and Greek airline SKY express today announce the delivery of an ATR 72-600 aircraft. This deal represents a new country of operations for the ATR 72-600 which is currently flying in over 50 countries around the world. With a fleet of 10 ATR -500 series aircraft, the airline has opted to continue its long relationship with ATR for its fleet modernisation project. When the ATR 72-600 enters into service later this month, it will be the first step in ensuring continued and sustainable operations to Greece’s many islands.
In the context of the aviation industry’s collective goal of decarbonisation and with many communities reliant on air links to supply essential connectivity, ATR aircraft represent the ideal solution to creating a more sustainable industry. The ATR 72-600 burns up to 40% less fuel and emits up to 40% less CO2 than a similarly-sized regional jet. In 2019, this advantage allowed it to become the first aircraft eligible for Green Financing loans.
SKY express President of the Board of Directors, Theodoros Krokidas remarked: “We are delighted to be introducing the ATR 72-600 into our fleet. In today’s context, it is more important than ever before to be able to offer our passengers efficient and flexible solutions with the best possible standards of comfort and safety. At SKY express we are committed to contributing to reduce CO2 emissions, and the ATR 72-600 fits perfectly in this strategy. ATR aircraft are well suited to serving islands with their ability to take-off and land from runways other aircraft simply cannot access and this is essential for regional operations in a country such as Greece. We know that when our passengers see this aircraft with its beautiful new livery, they will be looking forward to enjoying the very latest standards of on-board comfort.”
ATR Chief Executive, Stefano Bortoli, said: “There is no better solution with which to provide essential links and connectivity than an ATR 72-600, which is the sustainable benchmark in regional aviation today. Studies have shown than an increase of 10% in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP, proving the value of regional air transportation and the fundamental role of regional connectivity. With many more aircraft needing to be replaced, we hope that airlines all over the world will follow the example set by SKY express and put their faith in turboprop aircraft, which are the economical solution to reducing emissions in aviation.”
About SKY express
SKY express, the fastest-growing Greek airline, is redefining the landscape of aviation. Apart from operating the largest network in the country, it has entered international markets and now covers a total of 48 destinations in 9 countries and keeps growing.
Moreover, it has brokered significant interline agreements with global airlines such as KLM, Air France, Qatar Airways, Middle East Airlines, and Cyprus Airways.
SKY express belongs to the IOGR Group of companies, founded and owned by Ioannis Grylos. A strong and dynamically rising business group with significant presence in various sectors, employing more than 5,500 people. Most of the Group’s operations are in the aviation industry, both as a flight operator with SKY express and as a ground handling service provider, with Skyserv and Swissport SUD, and is present in 36 airports of the country and serves as clients more than 250 airlines. The Group is also active in the fields of tourism, logistics, olive oil export market, etc.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open over 130 new routes every year on average, burn 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.