Aurigny Air Services, the state airline of Guernsey, has ordered two ATR 72-500s direct from the manufacturer at Toulouse. The 70-seat aircraft joins a fleet of three earlier ATR 72-200 models.
Both aircraft will be delivered in 2010, equipped with the ”Elegance” cabin as well as the newest technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation tools. Turboprops, such as the ATR, are selling strongly at the moment due to their low fuel burn and emissions.
The carrier flies a number of routes to the island, including Gatwick, which it serves four times daily. Aurigny also operates seven Britten-Norman Islanders, the world”s largest fleet of the ubiquitous three-engined utility aircraft, mainly used on services to the tiny island of Alderney.
In May 2003, and following the experience of fellow Channel Island Jersey, which lost its links to Heathrow when the then incumbent sold its slots, the State of Guernsey decided to cover itself by purchasing Aurigny and guaranteeing Gatwick access.
Commenting on the announcement, Aurigny Air Services managing director, Malcolm Hart, declared: "We are very satisfied with the service given by our fleet of ATRs since we started flying them in 2003.
”We look forward to introducing our new ATR 72-500s as they will offer improved passenger comfort, together with low maintenance costs and outstanding economics. This will enable Aurigny Air Services to guarantee to all our passengers and especially the community of Guernsey a great flight experience at affordable fares."
Since the beginning of the year, ATR has received orders for 65 new aircraft, some of them not yet unveiled. From the start of the programme, ATR has sold 902 aircraft (416 ATR 42s and 486 ATR 72s) and has delivered 733 (394 ATR 42s and 339 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 169 aircraft. See ABTN Aer Arann story.