UK regional carrier Loganair has announced a series of new agreements as it moves to complete the renewal of its fleet by summer 2023.
The Scottish airline, which currently operates 42 aircraft across 70 routes throughout its network, will replace eight Saab 340B passenger aircraft with eight ATR next-generation turboprop aircraft.
According to the carrier, the new ATR aircraft will bring up to a 27 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per seat, and will increase capacity across the network with more passenger seats on each flight.
The "multi-million-pound investment" comes after the carrier recently returned to profit since the start of the pandemic, and as the Saab type progressively leaves its fleet – from now to July 2023 – following a $12 million sale agreement in North America.
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The Saab 340s have served us, and our customers, superbly well over the last two decades but it’s time for us to transition to a new generation of aircraft.
“In selecting our future fleet, it’s important to have an aircraft which builds upon our environmental credentials while withstanding island weather conditions and providing accessibility for all customers in the communities we serve.”
Loganair already has 15 of the ATR next-generation turboprops in service, including four 72-seat ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft, and the completed ATR fleet will see the carrier become one of the largest ATR operators in Europe.