Sun, Oct 23, 2011
First Of The Aircraft To Operate In Australia
The first regularly-scheduled flight for one of Virgin
Australia's new ATR-72-500 turboprops took place Tuesday, also
marking the airline's first flight from Brisbane to the regional
industrial city of Gladstone. The flight also marked a milestone
for ATR Regional Aircraft, which added Australia to an
already-extensive list of Asia-Pacific markets where ATR 72-500
aircraft operate.
Perth-based Skywest will operate the new ATR services on behalf
of Virgin Australia, with a fleet of eight 68-seat ATR 72 aircraft.
The airline has orders for four of the series 500 model - three of
which have now been delivered - and four of the next-generation
series 600 model. Skywest also has options to acquire another five
ATR 72-600s, all of which it will operate for Virgin.
In addition to Gladstone, Virgin will operate the ATRs on a
range of other regional or short haul primary routes, including
Brisbane-Port Macquarie and Sydney-Port Macquarie, commencing this
Wednesday, 19 October. This will be followed by routes including
Sydney-Canberra and another new market, Brisbane - Emerald.
"Virgin Australia needed an aircraft type which would provide an
economic entry into new regional routes, and cost-effective
expansion of a range of existing markets," said Filippo Bagnato,
Chief Executive Officer of ATR. "The ATR 72 is that aircraft,
offering both the lowest cost and the greenest option in the
regional segment, while delivering a spacious, quiet cabin
environment for passengers. We are delighted that Virgin Australia
and Skywest have selected our aircraft for the next step in
Virgin's growth strategy."
More News
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]