Indonesian carrier TransNusa Aviation Mandiri has taken delivery of its first new generation ATR 42-600. The carrier has options for three more ATR 42-600s.
TransNusa is introducing the new ATR 42-600 variant for the first time in Indonesia and the aircraft will be a turning point for the airline's new development efforts towards the fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) charter segment.
TransNusa won a five-year contract earlier this year from an Indonesian oil consortium, and the airline stated that the ATR turboprop is the ideal aircraft type to operate on these services.
“Placing our turboprop services with ATR 42 aircraft on the stringent FIFO operations represents great value for money for energy companies. It will increase their efficiencies as it enables companies to consolidate their FIFO schedule and still travel direct to their sites even on gravel and narrow runways, while increasing passenger comfort,” TransNusa Chief Executive Officer Jodjana Juvenile said.
Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer said: “We are glad to be associated with TransNusa's success in the FIFO transport support sector. With the newly acquired ATR 42-600 TransNusa will be able to count on the aircraft's versatility and flexibility to provide eco-efficient solutions for air charters to any location throughout Indonesia and beyond. The ATR-600 series aircraft will provide TransNusa and its customers with important reductions in operating and maintenance costs optimizing and reinforcing its economic advantages to suit differing needs of the operation.”
TransNusa expects the initial ATR 42-600 will enter service in November. The chartered ATR 42 will open up its first FIFO service departing from Jakarta's Halim Airport to Matak Airport in Natuna Island, conducting six return flights per week.