US-based regional airline Silver Airways has signed a letter of intent with ATR to purchase up to 50 new ATR-600 series aircraft for $1.1bn.

The deal includes an initial firm order for 20 ATR-42-600 aircraft and offers Silver the ability to upgrade its fleet to the larger series ATR-72-600s.

The new aircraft will enable the airline to renew and expand its existing fleet of 21 Saab 340B Plus turboprop planes. The confirmed order for 20 aeroplanes will be lease-financed by Silver.

"New ATRs will provide Silver’s passengers unparalleled experience and reliability and our pilots the industry’s most advanced cockpit.”

The airline will also become the launch customer of the new ATR aircraft in North America.

Silver is set to take delivery of up to four ATRs this year,  following receipt of regulatory approvals for the newly signed deal.

Deliveries of the remaining aircraft are due to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

Silver Airways president and CFO Jason Bewley said: “Thanks to our incredibly dedicated and hardworking team, this aircraft acquisition is a monumental leap forward for Silver, our team members, and our passengers, and will allow us to expand our network with greater reach, including further into the Caribbean and the Southeastern US.

“As the world’s leading regional aircraft, new ATRs will provide Silver’s passengers unparalleled experience and reliability and our pilots the industry’s most advanced cockpit.”

To be delivered to Silver, the ATR fleet will feature 46 seats in a 2-2 seating configuration with up to a 32in pitch to provide more legroom to the passengers.

ATR will also provide training to the Silver crews at its new facility in Miami, US, which includes a new full flight simulator (FFS) for the ATR-600 series aircraft.