Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR and Air Corsica have confirmed a firm order for two ATR 72-600 aircraft in a deal which was initially agreed at the Paris Air Show 2023.
After a busy Paris Air Show in June 2023, ATR announced a number of aircraft orders but left some of its customers for ATR 72-600 aircraft as undisclosed.
However, on December 18, 2023, Air Corsica finally emerged as the newer owner of two turboprop planes.
The two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2024 and will mark Air Corsica’s full transition of its fleet of ATR -500 series to the latest generation of turboprop aircraft.
The airline will then have seven ATR 72-600 aircraft, powered by the latest PW127XT engines.
“This order marks an important turning point for Air Corsica, which places a special focus on sustainable development, Corsican passenger satisfaction and connectivity – regional in particular. By harmonizing our fleet around the ATR 72-600 aircraft, we will continue to contribute actively to our island’s economic prosperity, providing our customers with a fast, reliable, economical and socially responsible means of transport,” Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, President of Air Corsica’s Supervisory Board, said.
Air Corsica was the first operator to take delivery of an ATR 72-600 equipped with the new PW127XT engine at the end of 2022, which brought a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and at least a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared with the PW127M.
“We are proud to support Air Corsica with its fleet upgrade, and to set together new standards for regional aviation. Air Corsica was the launch customer of the PW127XT engine, and the first ATR operator in the world to integrate USB sockets in all its seats. Through this pioneering spirit that we share, we are sending out a strong message: regional aviation can and must be reliable, low emission, comfortable and connected,” Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ATR, said.
Air Corsica has a fleet of 12 aircraft: five ATR 72-600, one ATR 42-500 and six Airbus A320, including two A320neo aircraft.
The carrier operates 12 public service domestic routes, 12 non-public service domestic routes and 12 international routes, both year-round and seasonally in the summer, totaling 19,500 flights a year.