Aircraft manufacturer ATR has signed an agreement with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) for the sale of 15 ATR-600 planes, comprising 12 ATR 42-600s and three ATR 72-600s.

These aircraft, along with five from an existing order between ATR and NAC, will be leased to Silver Airways, a US-based airline service.

The deal marks the introduction of ATR-600 series aircraft in the US.

NAC chairman Martin Møller said: “The ATR aircraft is firmly established as a cornerstone of NAC’s portfolio of modern regional aircraft.

“This aircraft type allows us to offer our customers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and one of the most comfortable cabins in its class, through our tailored leasing solutions.”

“The ATR aircraft is firmly established as a cornerstone of NAC’s portfolio of modern regional aircraft.”

The delivery and subsequent starting of commercial service of the first ATR-600 aircraft under Silver Airways is scheduled to take place in March.

It will feature 46 seats in a 2-2 seating configuration with a pitch of up to 32in.

The deliveries of the remaining aircraft are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

ATR will also provide crew training for the new aircraft at its Miami-based facility, which features a full flight simulator (FFS) for the ATR-600 series aircraft.

The new aircraft are scheduled to replace Silver Airways’ existing fleet of 21 Saab 340B turboprops.

Following the addition of the new fleet, Silver Airways is expected to increase the frequency of the main routes and introduce new services to destinations in Florida, the southern US and Caribbean.