Azul celebrated the arrival of another ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft that will be added to the fleet. There will be a total of four aircraft, equipped with new Pratt & Whitney Canada engines and capacity for 72 Customers, which represent a significant step forward for the company.
The first and second aircraft, registrations PR-YXT and PR-YXA, respectively, have been in operation since January 2023, while the PR-YXB, delivered in June, will start flying later this month. The fourth aircraft, PR-YXC, in turn, will arrive at the company in the next few days, with a forecast to start operations in August.
According to Raphael Linares, Fleet Director at Azul, the aircraft are equipped with the new PW127XT-M engine, which promises to reduce maintenance costs by up to 20%. From a technical point of view, the engines feature significant improvements, such as hybrid ceramic bearings, more efficient compressors and turbines made with advanced materials. As a result, these engines manage to reduce fuel consumption by at least 3%.
“Azul takes its commitment to more sustainable operations seriously and recognizes the need to continually invest in modern aircraft. Currently, 70% of our seats belong to new generation aircraft, which have less environmental impact”, said the executive.
The role of ATRs in the development of regional aviation
ATRs, along with Cessna Grand Caravan model aircraft, are strategic for the development of regional aviation, which is led by Azul. Due to their size, turboprops are easy to land at smaller airports and shorter runways, unsuitable for jets. In addition, because they are lower, they already have a boarding ladder built into the door. From a business point of view, ATRs operate on routes with a smaller number of Customers and allow for the growth of new markets.
“By investing in smaller aircraft, we were able to diversify the airline network, serving cities that previously did not have available flights. We are proud of the 40 ATRs in our fleet, as they are transforming agents in many Brazilian cities, boosting tourism and creating opportunities for our Customers, in addition to guaranteeing the flexibility that is characteristic of Azul's network”, said the executive.
Via: Blue
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