Air Tahiti Takes Delivery of its First ATR 42-600

Air Tahiti has taken delivery of its first ATR 42-600.

The aircraft is part of the firm order for seven latest-generation ATR aircraft ordered in August 2010 and December 2012 (three ATR 42-600s and four ATR 72-600s). The other aircraft will be shipped over the next three years.

The introduction of these new ATR-600s kicks off Air Tahiti's fleet renewal enabling the airline while improving its operating performances and reducing fuel and operating costs.

Air Tahiti's new aircraft will gradually be introduced into service on the regional routes in French Polynesia and will operate an international connection between Papeete and Rarotonga international airport in the Cook Islands.

This first ATR 42-600 can accommodate up to 48 passengers.

ATRs are currently the only turboprop aircraft to get an ETOPS 120 certification (authorization to fly over seas and oceans for 2 hours in the event of an engine failure), making them the ideal solution for Air Tahiti's operation over French Polynesia.

“With the arrival of these new ATR aircraft, our passengers will be able to benefit from the exceptional comfort of an ultra-modern cabin, which is an essential criterion for our quality of service and customer satisfaction,” said Maté Galénon, Managing Director of Air Tahiti. “We have been preparing for the arrival of our new ATR-600s for more than a year. Our flight crews, engineers have already been trained and are ready to operate these new aircraft. Polynesia is looking forward to flying in the brand new ATRs.”

ATR 42-600

Passenger capacity: 46 to 50 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum takeoff power: 2,160 hp per engine
Maximum takeoff weight: 18,600 kgs
Maximum load: 5,500 kgs
Range with full load: 800 nautical miles (1,300 kms)