Spain’s Binter Canarias signs contract for six ATR 72-600s
The inter-Canary islands airline, awarded as “European Regional Airline of the Year 2013”,
operates almost exclusively ATR aircraft since 1989
The European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the Spain’s Canary Islands carrier Binter Canarias today announced a contract for the sale of six firm ATR 72-600 aircraft, valued at almost US$ 150 million. With the acquisition of the fleet of these newest ATR ‘-600s’ the airline will enter into the renewal process of their current fleet of 18 ATR 72s which have been operating successfully in the inter-islands network for years. Binter Canarias is a long-standing ATR operator in Europe, introducing their first ATR aircraft in the late 1980s. Last year, the airline obtained a major recognition from the European Regional Airlines Association, being awarded as Regional Airline of the Year.
With the progressive introduction of these new ATR 72-600s, starting in 2015, Binter Canarias will provide its passengers with the most modern standards of comfort, while further decreasing the airline’s fuel consumption and seat/mile operating costs. The ATR aircraft family feature unrivalled performances in very short-haul networks and at small runways as those of the Canary Islands. ATRs experience also outstanding success at many other archipelagos all over the world, such on the Caribbean region or in French Polynesia.
ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, Filippo Bagnato, said: “We are honored by the fact that an airline operating an almost exclusive fleet of ATR aircraft obtained the Gold Award as Regional Airline of the Year in Europe last year. This is also a major recognition of the quality, modernity and operational capabilities of our aircraft. We are particularly proud of having built up such an outstanding partnership for more than two decades”.
About the ATR 72-600:
- Passenger capacity: 68 to 74 seats
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
- Maximum takeoff power: 2,750 horsepower per engine
- Maximum takeoff weight: 23,000 kg
- Maximum load: 7,500 kg
- Maximum flight range when fully loaded: 900 nautical miles (1,665 km)
About Binter Canarias:
Created in 1988, Binter Canarias starting operating its first ATR in 1989 on the Canarian inter-island network. As of today, the airline has got the largest, youngest and most environmental-friendly fleet of the archipelago. The airline, originally owned by Spain’s flag carrier Iberia, was purchased in 2002 by a local group of entrepreneurs. Their 18 ATRs represent one of the largest fleet of ATR aircraft in Europe, and have transported more than 35 million passengers, not only in inter-archipelago operations, but also with direct flights to Morocco, Portugal’s island Madeira and Cape Verde.
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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.