Florida-based regional carrier Silver Airways has started ATR 42-600 turboprop operations in the United States.
This marks the first time a US airline is operating revenue flights with an ATR -600 series. The first flight departed from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and arrived at Key West International Airport on Monday.
Silver Airways has already taken delivery of three new ATR 42-600 aircraft, that are part of an initial order for 20 ATR -600 series aircraft split among the 46-seat ATR 42 and 70-seat ATR 72 turboprops.
The ATR airplanes will allow the airline to further expand its services in the Southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean and, at a later point, replace Silver’s current fleet of 21 Saab 340B.
Silver Airways intends to take delivery and begin operating five more ATR 42-600s in 2019. Furthermore, subject to regulatory approval, the airline also plans to take delivery of at least three ATR 72-600 this year and expects to receive all 20 aircraft of its initial ATR aircraft order by 2020. Silver Airways holds purchase options for 30 more ATR aircraft.
Nick Wenzel founded International Flight Network in 2016. He is the Social Media Manager and an Editor for IFN.news.
