New Irish regional carrier Emerald Airlines is expanding its fleet by leasing four ATR 72-600 aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world’s largest regional aircraft lessor.
“We are really looking forward to receiving this delivery of ATR 72-600s,” Conor McCarthy, CEO and founder of Dublin-based Emerald Airlines announced in a statement.
“At Emerald Airlines we are committed to minimizing our CO2 emissions, and the ATR 72-600 fits perfectly in this strategy,” McCarthy said.
Emerald plans to add more aircraft to its fleet over the coming months. The carrier signed a deal with lessor Chorus Aviation Capital in August 2021 for six ATR 72-600. Currently, Emerald Airlines has only one ATR 72-600, according to Planespotters.net.
In September 2021, Emerald Airlines received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish aviation regulator.
In August 2021, Aer Lingus announced reaching an agreement with Emerald to take over the service previously operated by the late Stobart Air, which was liquidated on June 11, 2021, after its English parent company Esken ended financial support.
Emerald Airlines will operate the Aer Lingus Regional franchise beginning January 1, 2023.