Air New Zealand, the national flag carrier, has taken a major step towards bolstering its fleet and reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly air travel.
Today, the airline, in conjunction with ATR, the leading regional aircraft manufacturer, has announced a firm order for two state-of-the-art ATR 72-600 aircraft, with an option to acquire two more. Deliveries are slated for late 2024 and early 2025, placing Air New Zealand among the elite operators with the fourth largest ATR fleet globally.
This procurement is set to fortify the airline’s expansion, deepening its roots across the picturesque locales of New Zealand. The ATR 72-600s, renowned for being the lowest-emission regional aircraft in the market, will come equipped with the advanced PW127XT engines. This cutting-edge engine technology ensures an impressive 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessors. This translates to a commendable 45% dip in CO2 emissions when matched against similar-sized regional jets.
Speaking on the occasion, Baden Smith, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Fleet Strategy and Delivery, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our ATR 72-600s are pivotal in stitching together Air New Zealand’s extensive domestic network. Given the uniquely compact and interconnected layout of New Zealand, ATRs seamlessly connect Kiwis across the 20 ports we serve. Witnessing the soaring demand for air travel, especially within New Zealand, we eagerly await the induction of these two new ATR aircraft into our fleet.”
Echoing this sentiment, Alexis Vidal, ATR’s Senior Vice President of Commercial, remarked, “Our bond with Air New Zealand is not just about business. Over time, we’ve jointly innovated and redefined the contours of regional air travel. It’s a testament to our synergy that Air New Zealand operates one of the largest ATR fleets worldwide. Their renewed faith in us is truly heartening.”
This new alliance between Air New Zealand and ATR underscores a shared vision for sustainable air travel and promises passengers a greener, more efficient travel experience across New Zealand.
