Virgin Blue plans to introduce 18 fuel-efficient ATR72 turboprop aircraft as part of its strategic alliance with Sky West airlines.

“The first four ATR Turboprop 68-seater aircraft will be introduced in mid-2011 with another four next year,” said Virgin Blue Group CEO and managing director John Borghetti. “The ATR will form the foundation of our regional network plans, with the first six ATRs replacing our current Embraer E170 fleet and the additional aircraft flying to new regional destinations.”

The ATR72 aircraft produces 45-50% lower CO2 emissions and consumes 40-45% less fuel on typical regional sectors, when compared with the Embraer E170 jet.

Skywest and Virgin signed a wet lease agreement, under which Skywest will provide the technical and cabin crew, and source the fleet’s maintenance provider.