Landmark Deal For Six ATR 72-600 Series Aircraft In 2021

The Agreement with ATR for the acquisition of six, in total, new state-of-the-art ATR sustainable aircraft was inked on the Cycladic island of Paros, Greece. The investment amounts to €200 million, with phased delivery expected within the year

In the presence of ATR Chief Executive, Stefano Bortoli, who travelled from the company’s headquarters in Blagnac, France, especially for this very event, SKY express and ATR agreed on the delivery of five more state-of-the-art sustainable ATR 72-600 aircraft to the Greek company. The first one was already received on 30 June.

Apart from serving as a powerful symbol of the Greek tourism reboot, the acquisition of new ATR 72-600 aircraft fits perfectly SKY express’ strategy. It conduces to the airline’s systematic investments in expanding its existing eco-conscious fleet, making SKY express the country's greenest airline in terms of fleet aggregate. After the delivery, the company will be the proud owner of the youngest and most sustainable fleet in Greece and Europe.

The six ATR 72-600 aircraft are especially designed to meet the specifics and geographical requirements of Greek aviation. Combined with the highly experienced pilots of SKY express, they are an ideal match to ensure ongoing and sustainable operations, regional transportation and connectivity to Greece’s many islands.

A special event for the signing of the disposition of nature last Saturday in Paros, they were of attendance the Deputy Minister of Tourism Mrs. Sofia Zacharaki, the Regional Governor of the South Aegean Mr. George Chatzimarkos, the Mayors of Paros Mr. Markos Kovaios and Antiparos Mr Anastastios Charoupos, the MP from Cyclades Mr. Giannis Vroutsis, the airport manager of Paros Mrs. Stella Sarri and many representatives of local entities of Paros and many actors of Tourism.

Particularly satisfied with the new agreement with SKY express, ATR Chief Executive, Stefano Bortoli, said: “We are proud when an airline chooses ATR aircraft for their fleet renewal, as moving from the -500 to the -600 series shows the value of our continuous development policy. SKY express will benefit from the latest-generation upgradeable avionics suite and its passengers will enjoy a modern, comfortable cabin. This is an investment in the most efficient and eco-responsible regional aircraft and it is an ideal time to do so. Fleet replacement is critical in regional aviation or vital connections risk being lost, which would have a significant impact on the communities they serve. Upon the final delivery of these aircraft, SKY express will have the youngest ATR fleet in Europe and its passengers will benefit from them for many years to come.”

In turn, Ioannis Grylos, CEO of the IOGR Group of companies, stated: “SKY express has spread its wings to fly even higher. We are expanding and modernizing our fleet, increasing the number of destinations we serve and evolving our operations. The acquisition of 6 new state-of-the-art ATR 72-600 aircraft is yet another landmark in SKY express's journey. In today’s context, it is more important than ever to be able to offer our passengers efficient and flexible solutions with the best possible standards of comfort and safety. Following the addition of the 6 new Airbus A320neo that are already crossing Greek and international skies, our ATRs will support the Greek tourism industry and help reboot the Greek economy, always showing due respect to our passengers and the environment, reaching every single region of our country”.

The fastest-growing Greek airline has entered a new era of operations with significant competitive advantages. The aviation landscape in Greece is changing together with the company.

About the new ATR 72-600

In the context of the aviation industry’s collective goal of decarbonisation and with many communities reliant on air links to supply essential connectivity, ATR aircraft represent the ideal solution to creating a more sustainable industry. The ATR 72-600 burns up to 40% less fuel and emits up to 40% less CO2 than a similarly-sized regional jet.

Click here to take the virtual tour inside ATR 72-600’s cabin and cockpit.

About ATR

ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. In 2019 the company had a turnover of US$1.6 billion. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATRs open more than 100 new routes every year, burn up to 40% less fuel and emit up to 40% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATRs have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.

For more information, please visit www.atr-aircraft.com.