ATR, the global leader in regional aircraft production, has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its 1,700th aircraft. The recipient, longtime partner Air Corsica, received an ATR 72-600, completing its transition from the ATR -500 series to the latest turboprop models.
This move highlights Air Corsica’s cinuted focus on regional connectivity. It also reinforces ATR’s continued strength in the global regional aviation market.
Air Corsica History with ATR 72
In November 2022, Air Corsica became the first airline to operate an ATR 72-600 with the new PW127XT engine. This upgrade cuts maintenance costs by 20% and fuel use by at least 3% compared to the PW127M. It also slashes CO2 emissions by 45% versus similar-sized regional jets.
Air Corsica now boasts seven ATR 72-600 aircraft with PW127XT engines, enhancing reliability, passenger comfort, and eco-friendliness on flights connecting Corsica’s four airports.
Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, Air Corsica’s Supervisory Board President, stated: “Upgrading our fleet with ATR 72-600 aircraft is a crucial step for Air Corsica. It shows our commitment to excellent passenger service and supporting our island’s economy.”
“These modern planes improve our efficiency and significantly reduce our environmental impact, aligning with our vision for sustainable air travel in Corsica. By investing in this fleet, we’re ensuring our island stays well-connected, fostering growth and opportunities for our communities.”
ATR CEO Comments
ATR’s CEO, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, added: “Delivering our 1,700th aircraft to Air Corsica is a major achievement in our partnership. It showcases our joint commitment to setting new standards in regional connectivity.”
“This milestone also underlines ATR’s resilience, perfect fit for the regional market, and ability to provide highly efficient, versatile aircraft that help airlines thrive in the dynamic regional aviation sector.”
The new aircraft will further boost regional connectivity, linking communities and driving economic growth through increased business activity, tourism, and investment opportunities. This milestone reinforces ATR’s market position in regional aviation.
About Air Corsica
Air Corsica, the island’s leading airline, handles 51% of annual traffic (88% in winter) to and from Corsica’s four airports: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari.
As Corsica’s fourth-largest company with over 700 employees, Air Corsica has transported about 42 million passengers since 1990, making it France’s third-largest airline.
It operates 12 public service domestic routes, 12 non-public service domestic routes, and 12 international routes, both year-round and seasonally, totaling 22,800 flights annually.
Air Corsica’s fleet presently consists of 13 aircraft: seven ATR 72-600 and six Airbus A320, including four A320neo aircraft.
About ATR
ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) is the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft. Founded in 1981 as a joint venture between Aérospatiale of France (now part of Airbus) and Aeritalia of Italy (now Leonardo S.p.A.), ATR has revolutionized regional air travel with its turboprop aircraft.
Specializing in short-haul, fuel-efficient planes, ATR offers two main aircraft families: the ATR 42 and the larger ATR 72.
These aircraft are renowned for their ability to operate in challenging environments, including short runways and remote locations. ATR’s aircraft are particularly popular among regional airlines, serving routes that connect smaller cities and rural areas to major hubs.
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