The Greek carrier SKY express took delivery of an ATR 72-600 in December 2023, and a second aircraft is scheduled for delivery before the second quarter of 2024. With the additional aircraft, the carrier’s fleet will include eight ATR 72-600s and six ATR 72-500s.
On Thursday (January 11, 2024), ATR announced that Greece’s SKY express is growing their fleet with the addition of two more ATR 72-600s. The first aircraft was delivered in December 2023, and the other is scheduled for delivery before Q2 2024, expanding the carrier’s fleet of ATR 72-600s from six to eight aircraft. SKY express also operates six ATR 72-500s for a total of 14 ATR aircraft.
In Thursday’s announcement, SKY express’ Chief Executive Officer, Captain Konstantinos Iliakis, said,
“As we continue to grow our regional fleet, we are delighted to operate the youngest ATR fleet in the region and we have commitments for further fleet standardisation and improvement early in Q1 2024. We are offering our passengers comfort and reliability, whilst reducing CO2 emissions and supporting the Greek tourism and economy. An important example of the priority SKY express gives to the environment is our choice to connect the Greek islands and main Greek destinations in a modern and sustainable way with our fleet of ATR 72-600, emitting 45% less CO2 emissions than regional jets, a choice that offers more travel options to/from those regional local communities.”
Also commenting on the carrier’s ATR fleet expansion, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, said,
“SKY express is, once again, placing its confidence in ATR for the extension of its fleet, investing in the most fuel efficient, versatile and cost-effective regional aircraft to open up new opportunities for Greek communities and tourists alike. SKY express’ growth also illustrates the dynamism of the regional market, continuous success of ATR in Europe, and a shared commitment to sustaining essential connectivity whilst tangibly reducing emissions.”
SKY express operates the largest network of domestic Greek routes with 33 destinations. In 2024, the carrier’s fleet will grow to a total of 27 aircraft, remaining the youngest fleet in Greece. Thanks to agreements with Air France, British Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Delta, American Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Condor, El Al, Turkish Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Air Transat and easyJet, customers from around the world can seamlessly connect to SKY express’ network via Athens International Airport (ATH).
ATR is the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer and their ATR 42 and 72 aircraft are the best-selling aircraft in the under 90-seat market segment. The company’s turboprop aircraft represent the optimal and most sustainable choice for regional deployment at the lowest operating costs, and offer the ability to serve isolated communities living near challenging airfields. Over the last decade, ATR has held 75 percent of the turboprop market and 36 percent of the overall regional aircraft market. ATR is a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
Source: ATR