ATR-72-600-InterSky

InterSky has taken the delivery of first ATR 72-600 aircraft from European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR, making it the first airline in Austria to add the variant to its fleet.

The twin-engine turboprop airliner was received at Friedrichshafen Airport, the carrier’s main operating hub, located in the southernmost part of Germany.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, ATR 72-600 features a new full-glass cockpit, accommodates 68 to 74 passengers, and carries a maximum load of 7,500kg.

ATR chief executive officer Filippo Bagnato said the arrival of the new ATR 72-600 would provide InterSky with the ability to further expand its regional network, adding new routes and frequencies.

InterSky is expected to receive the second ATR 72-600 in March this year and plans to deploy these jets to service on routes to regional destinations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

"The two new jet liners will double the seating capacity of InterSky’s fleet."

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

In September 2012, InterSky signed a $47m deal with the ATR to acquire two ATR 72-600s.

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

Established in 1981, ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and EADS, and specialises in the manufacture of regional aircraft with 90 seats or less.

Recently, Singapore-based leasing firm Avation has signed a contract with ATR for the purchase of seven ATR 72-600s worth $160m.

Image: InterSky plans to deploy the new ATR 72-600s to service regional destinations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Photo: courtesy of ATR Aircraft.