National flag carrier Air New Zealand and the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, announced they signed a firm order for two brand new ATR 72-600 and an options for two more. Deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. Air New Zealand will then operate the fourth-largest ATR fleet worldwide.
These additional aircraft will support the airline’s growth and further strengthening of its network across New Zealand. The lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, these brand new ATRs will be equipped with PW127XT engines, delivering an additional 3% fuel burn reduction compared to the previous engine version, enabling a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-size regional jets.
Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Fleet Strategy and Delivery, Baden Smith said: “Our ATR 72-600s are an integral part of Air New Zealand’s domestic network. Due to New Zealand’s short-range, highly connected network, the ATR aircraft are perfect for keeping Kiwis connected across the 20 ports we fly between. With the high demand for air travel, particularly in New Zealand, we’re thrilled to be welcoming two new ATR aircraft into our fleet from late 2024.”
