TOULOUSE, France Monday November 14, 2011 – Caribbean Airlines would soon begin replacing its aircraft fleet as it moves to add passenger capacity and develop new routes.
The airline has received the first of nine ATR 72-600 aircraft booked earlier this year under a $ 200 million-valued contract with manufacturer based in France.
The aircraft are configured with 68 seats and equipped with the new ATR -600s standards of comfort, including In-Flight Entertainment.
As a result, the Port-of-Spain-based carrier will start replacing its fleet of five 50-seat Q-300s and introducing newest and most technologically advanced turboprops into its domestic routes, a statement said.
Robert Corbie, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines said the introduction of this first ATR 72-600 aircraft marks a “real” milestone for aviation in Trinidad and Tobago.
“It represents the arrival of the most modern and cost-efficient regional turboprop aircraft into our country. It will bring even better connectivity and comfort to our passengers, at optimal fares,” he said.
According to reports, the airline would also operate some of its new ATR 72-600s in the domestic route network of Air Jamaica, which was recently acquired by Trinidad and Tobago's flag carrier.
An estimated 140 aircraft already operate in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Chief Executive Officer of ATR said the ATR -600 series aircraft are optimally suited for the short-haul routes.
“The ATR 72-600s reduces up to 50% the fuel consumption and up to 30% the operating costs if compared to other 70-seat regional aircraft. It features also optimal performances on short runways. The new ATR -600s are becoming really popular aircraft among Latin America and the Caribbean carriers. There will be some 60 ATR -600s operating soon in the region,” he added.
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