ATR and Air Corsica confirmed the order for two ATR 72-600 aircraft, originally placed during the last Paris Air Show. This move marks the airline’s transition from the -500 series to the latest generation of turbo-prop aircraft from the manufacturer.
The units will be delivered in the first half of 2024, signifying a milestone for Air Corsica as it harmonizes its regional fleet. With these additions, it will boast a fleet of seven ATR 72-600s, all equipped with the latest PW127XT engines. This upgrade aims to optimize reliability, passenger comfort, operational costs, and reduce CO2 emissions.
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Air Corsica is the leading airline in Corsica. It operates 44% of the annual traffic (82% in winter) to and from the island’s four airports: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari. With over 700 employees, it ranks as the fourth-largest company in Corsica. Since its inaugural flight in 1990, Air Corsica has transported around 42 million passengers and currently serves 12 domestic routes.
Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Air Corsica,emphasized the significance of this order. According to the directive, «this order marks a turning point for Air Corsica. It will help us fulfill our goal of maintaining sustainable development while ensuring passenger satisfaction and regional connectivity.» Meanwhile, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR, expressed pride in supporting the upgrade of Air Corsica’s fleet and highlighted its role as the launch customer for the PW127XT engine. Laude stated, «we are sending a clear message: regional aviation can and should be reliable and low in emissions.»
According to Air Corsica, since receiving its first ATR 72-600 equipped with PW127XT engines in late 2022, it has experienced a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and at least a 3% decrease in fuel consumption compared to the PW127M.
