ATR 72-600

Austrian carrier InterSky has signed an agreement with European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR to buy two ATR 72-600 aircraft.

This $47m valued deal will make InterSky the first Austrian carrier to operate ATR jet liners.

InterSky managing director Peter Oncken said the new ATR 72-600 would enable the airline to expand its business with fuel-efficient and eco-friendly regional aircraft.

"This aircraft fits perfectly with our aim of combining very high-quality service for our passengers with low operating costs," Oncken said.

ATR 72-600 features Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, has a capacity to accommodate 68 to 74 passengers and carries a maximum load of 7,500kg.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in December, while the second will be completed in March 2013.

"This aircraft fits perfectly with our aim of combining very high-quality service for our passengers with low operating costs."

ATR chief executive officer Filippo Bagnato said the deal would allow the company to boost its presence in the European market, which is expected to bring many replacement opportunities in the coming years, both for previous generation turboprops and increasingly inefficient regional jets.

The two new aircraft will double the seating capacity of InterSky’s fleet, which currently consists of three 50-seat Dash 8-300 turboprop aircraft.

In addition, the new jet liners are expected to allow the airline to offer more frequencies on major routes, to destinations such as Berlin and Dusseldorf, and will be stationed at InterSky’s base in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

Founded in 2002, InterSky flies in the regional sector outside the Lake Constance area to Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Vienna and Graz.

Image: InterSky will be the first Austrian carrier to operate ATR jet liners. Photo: courtesy of ATR Aircraft.