Europe’s Regional Fleet Is Poised For Growth By 2035

Spanish carrier Binter, a long-standing ATR operator in Europe,  has signed an agreement to buy six additional ATR 72-600s, taking their total order for the aircraft to eighteen. The aircraft will serve Binter’s Canary Islands network.

The new aircraft will contribute to the fleet renewal process that the airline commenced two years ago with the purchase of the first six ATR 72-600s. Binter’s new order reflects the continued popularity, growing confidence and reliability of the ATR 72-600 among ATR customers.The airline has already received four ATR 72-600s, and with the replacement of their remaining 14 ATR 72-500s will bring the most modern standards of comfort to its operations across the archipelago. In addition to the introduction of the new ATRs, the airline’s subsidiary in Cape Verde, Binter CV, is starting operations this month with ATR 72-500s.

ATR says Binter’s latest order highlights the important role turboprops will play in supporting Europe’s future regional air connectivity over the next 20 years.

According to ATR’s market forecast 2016-2035, the average annual fleet growth within Europe is set to grow at 3.3% per annum, driving a need for 600 turboprop aircraft to address the Europe’s rising regional and domestic air travel requirements. Promoting community development with links between secondary and tertiary airports as well as regional access from and to the main hubs poised Europe for new route development – up to 400 new routes are forecast by ATR across the next two decades.

“The ATR 72-600, which features navigation systems as those of the most modern Airbus large aircraft, is the most versatile and fuel-efficient aircraft in its category today," said Pedro Agustin del Castillo, President of Binter. "It is clearly the best aircraft to continue modernising our fleet, optimising our network, and ensuring future growth opportunities. Our new order further reaffirms Binter’s commitment to the long-term development of affordable air transportation.”

(Image provided with ATR news release)

FMI: www.atraircraft.com