French Polynesia national carrier Air Tahiti orders 4 ATR 72-600 aircraft. The current fleet of the airline consists of 10 ATR 72-600, 2 ATR 42-600, 1 twin otter and 3 Beechcraft King Air B200.
The airline which has been connecting the Tahiti and islands for more than 60 years has been a regular customer of the ATR aircrafts. The partnership between Air Tahiti and ATR has been for more than 35 years and the companies have signed a GMA (Global Maintenance Agreement) for 8 years which along with the new fleet enhancements has renewed this agreement.
The ATR 72-600 Aircraft
The company has ordered 4 more ATR 72-600 aircraft which are also known as the most fuel-efficient regional aircraft. The aircraft accommodates up to 78 passengers, with a spacious interior and wide seats. The aircraft has the lowest CO2 emission in its category and has been ranked no 1 in the asset for regional category for the past 4 years. The aircraft saves close to $2 million on operating costs yearly. The flight range for the aircraft is 740 nautical miles or 1,360 kilometres.
Air Tahiti & ATR Partnership
The long partnership between the two companies has fostered trust and reliance on both companies. ATR has been providing reliant aircraft to Air Tahiti for the longest time and this has been a pivotal step in creating more operational efficiencies for both companies. The earlier discussed agreement between the companies known as GMA enables Air Tahiti to use ATR services for repairs and services.
The CEO of Air Tahiti Edouard Wong Fat, had high praise for the aircraft manufacturer company:
Air Tahiti has been a cornerstone in Tahiti and its islands for more than 65 years, facilitating not just travel but a better quality of life. By ensuring our communities have easy access to essential goods, services, and cultural experiences, we’ve also helped boost the local economy and tourism. The ATR fleet has been pivotal in these efforts and it will continue to enable us to offer reliable and responsible connectivity.”
While the CEO of ATR Nathalie Tarnaud Laude had spoken on the partnership:
Air Tahiti’s continued trust, earned over many years, is a testament to our commitment to providing the most efficient, comfortable, and low-emission regional aircraft. In French Polynesia, where air services are particularly vital, our aircraft, emitting 45% less CO2 compared to similar-size regional jets, are ideal for responsible travel. This region, with the shortest and one of the longest ATR flights between islands, highlights the importance of our mission. At ATR, we focus on supporting affordable regional mobility while aligning with sustainability goals
The partnership seems to be heading in a good trajectory and both companies continue on the partnership which is already established.
Let us know your thoughts on the partnership and whether you see the ATR 72-600 to be a good aircraft.
