Air Corsica has taken delivery of the world’s
very first ATR 72-600 with PW127XT engines.
The airline signed a firm order for five ATR
72-600 at the Dubai Airshow in 2021.
The aircraft, which are equipped with USB ports
for passengers to charge their electronic devices in-flight, will be used to upgrade Air
Corsica’s fleet and improve the company’s sustainable footprint.
Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, President of Air
Corsica’s Supervisory Board, said, “ATRs are central to our
model of air travel in Corsica. They have proven to be the right
product for our short-haul operations, enabling us to limit our
impact on the island’s pristine environment and to meet our
passengers’ demand for quick, frequent, reliable, and yet lower
emission, air travel. Selecting both the latest generation
turboprop, the newest engine on the market to equip it, and the
best maintenance programme to optimise its reliability, makes
perfect business sense, and moreover, is the most responsible
choice.”
According to ATR, the brand new PW127XT engine
will provide the airline with a 20% reduction in
maintenance costs and a 3% improvement in fuel consumption
compared to the PW127M – which means 45% less fuel burn and CO2
emissions compared to similar-size regional jets.
Air Corsica has also opted to optimise the
maintenance of its entire ATR fleet through a 12-year Global
Maintenance Agreement. The pay-by-the-hour contract covers the
repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units,
and includes the propellers, landing gears and leading edges
availability and maintenance, plus a long-term price agreement for
the provision of over 2,000 spare parts.
“Air Corsica and ATR have grown together ever
since their first ATR flight in 1990. Over decades they have shown
commitment to flying the latest technology and most responsible
aircraft available,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR Chief
Executive Officer. “As our product evolves to meet new market needs and
incorporates further innovations, it remains the most reliable,
efficient, cost-effective aircraft on the market, as well as the
most sustainable platform to operate regional routes. This makes
ATR and Air Corsica a perfect match.”
