Silver Airways Makes History as First ATR 72-600 Takes Flight in U.S.

Silver Airways, America’s leading independent regional airline, has received FAA and DOT certification to begin operations of its new 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft, making history as the first airline to operate the state-of-the-art airplane in the U.S. The ATR-600 series aircraft is specifically designed for short-haul markets, but with the same look, feel and customer amenities of larger jetliners. Over the past year, Silver Airways has undergone a complete operational, fleet and customer service transformation and in doing so is reinventing the regional flying sector.

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Silver Airway’s first new 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft begins operations in the U.S. The aircraft was christened “Rocket City” in honor of Silver’s newest ATR destination – Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo: Business Wire)

Silver Airways’ first regularly scheduled commercial ATR 72-600 flight departed Tampa International Airport (TPA) and arrived at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) on Saturday, November 23, 2019. Silver’s ATR-72-600 will initially be used to and from destinations in Florida and the Bahamas, and Silver expects to introduce the new aircraft in its Caribbean markets in 2020.

“This is an exciting time for Silver Airways and regional airline flying as we continue our fleet transformation and focus on providing the highest level of safe, reliable and customer-focused service,” said Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum. “Starting operations of the new ATR 72-600 aircraft is another great milestone for Silver Airways, ATR, our customers, our airline partners, the communities we serve and our team members. The ATR 42-600 has been well received and highly praised by our customers and team members this year, and we’re looking forward to even further expanding our world-class service with extended reach in the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean with the new larger ATR 72-600.”

“We are proud to be part of Silver Airways’ ambitions and expansion plans,” said ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli. “After the start with the 42-600, we will now see the 72-600 operating in the U.S., introducing the most modern standards of regional aviation at the most competitive cost. In addition, it is an eco-responsible aircraft that emits 40 percent less CO2 compared to a regional jet, which is making a real difference. As the leading regional aviation manufacturer we know how tough it is for regional airlines. That is why we do everything we can to support our operators, adding value in the cockpit, in the cabin and to the bottom line. We look forward to Silver being able to exploit that fully to the benefit of its passengers.”

“Nordic Aviation Capital is excited to see the ATR-72 in operation in the United States and we think the new aircraft will complement Silver’s operations well,” said Nordic Aviation Capital Chief Commercial Officer Jim Murphy.

Silver Airways first launched its new ATR fleet earlier this year with the 46-seat ATR 42-600, making history as the first U.S. carrier to operate the newly redesigned and technologically advanced, customer friendly ATR-600 series aircraft. It had been nearly 25 years since a new ATR had flown in the U.S. It marked the first time revenue passengers have flown an ATR-600 operated by a U.S. carrier and the first time a fully independent U.S. regional airline has taken delivery of a new aircraft in many decades. The new ATRs provide Silver’s guests with an unparalleled flying experience and reliability, and pilots with the industry’s most advanced cockpit.

To date, Silver Airways has taken delivery of its first seven of up to 50 ATR-600s, including six ATR 42-600s and one ATR 72-600. Future ATR-600 deliveries will be comprised of both ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s.

The new ATR-600 series aircraft are allowing Silver to expand its service in the Southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. By introducing the mission-specific ATR 42-600 aircraft with seating for 46 and ATR 72-600 with seating for 70, Silver has the unique ability to offer quicker direct flights to even more short and medium-haul leisure and business destinations in both domestic and nearby international markets.

The new ATR-600 series features the widest cabin in the regional aircraft market with a new ergonomic design and lightweight slim seats offering passengers maximum comfort with up to a 32-inch pitch offering more legroom than many mainline aircraft. In addition, Silver’s ATR fleet offers spacious full-size overhead bins for carry-on bags along with full-size lavatories, bright LED lite cabins and is quieter than regional jets. The new ATR-600 series also features the latest innovations in cockpit technology with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety and improved handling for pilots, as well as the latest in avionics technology. The state-of-the-art, all-glass cockpit further reduces flight crew workload and enhances situational awareness while providing better reliability, maintenance cost savings and weight reduction.

Silver Airways has codeshare and interline relationships with most of the leading airlines in the U.S. and many worldwide. The new ATRs provide superior air transportation with a level of comfort and quietness commensurate with the service of Silver’s worldwide airline partners.

About Silver Airways

Silver Airways, America’s leading independent regional airline, operates the most routes within Florida and between Florida and the Bahamas from its hubs in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa, and also flies seasonally between Boston and Bar Harbor, Maine. Silver’s Caribbean network connects Puerto Rico with the U.S. Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, Dominica and the Dominican Republic. Silver is a codeshare partner with United, JetBlue, American, Delta, Avianca and Copa Airlines, and has interline agreements with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Azul, Bahamasair, Emirates and Hahn Air. Members of United’s MileagePlus® and JetBlue’s loyalty programs can also earn frequent flyer awards for travel throughout Silver’s network. Silver is the official airline of the Minor League Baseball teams Daytona Tortugas and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Silver is honored to be the North American launch customer for the all new, redesigned ATR-600 series aircraft offering best-in-class quiet cabins, premium leather seats with more legroom, and spacious overhead bins that accommodate full-size, carry-on roller bags. Silver’s fleet is currently composed of ATR 42-600s, ATR 72-600s and Saab 340s. Silver is owned by affiliates of Philadelphia-based investment firm Versa Capital Management, LLC. To learn more about Silver’s refined passenger experience, visit www.silverairways.com/destinations/atr42.

About ATR

Founded in 1981, ATR is the world leader in below-90-seat regional aircraft. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,500 aircraft. ATR aircraft equip the fleets of some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Airbus and Leonardo. Based in Toulouse, France, ATR is well established worldwide with a large customer support and sales network, including customer service centers, training centers and warehouses. Additional information about the ATR-600 series aircraft, including photos, can be found at www.atr-aircraft.com.

About Nordic Aviation Capital

NAC is the industry’s leading regional aircraft lessor serving 76 airline customers in 50 countries. The company provides aircraft to well-established carriers such as British Airways, Air Canada, LOT, Azul, Lufthansa, Garuda, Aeroméxico and airBaltic, as well as major regional carriers including Air Nostrum and Widerøe. NAC’s current fleet of almost 500 aircraft includes ATR 42, ATR 72, Bombardier Dash 8, CRJ900/1000, Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jet family aircraft.

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