Air New Zealand, one of ATR's largest customers in terms of in-service and on order aircraft, has received its most recent ATR 72-600, continuing on its path of growth of the ATR fleet.
On the occasion of the delivery ceremony, held at the Paris Airshow, the airline announced as well the purchase of an additional ATR 72-600 aircraft. Since 2011, Air New Zealand has purchased a total of 14 ATR 72-600s. Deliveries of the ATR '-600' aircraft will continue until 2017. Once delivered, Air New Zealand will have 25 ATR aircraft in its fleet, including 11 ATR 72-500s and 14 ATR 72-600s.
The introduction of this additional ATR 72-600 aircraft marks yet another step in Air New Zealand's fleet modernization strategy. The new ATR aircraft will join airline's existing fleet of 6 other ATR 72-600s and 11 ATR 72-500s. The new aircraft will enter service in July across Air New Zealand's regional domestic network.
As with other recent deliveries to Air New Zealand, the 68-seat ATR 72-600 is equipped with the most advanced technology for the aircraft type, including a new glass cockpit avionics suite and updated cabin interiors.