Hop! Air France Takes Delivery of First ATR 72-600

Air France's regional subsidiary Hop! has bolstered its fleet with the introduction of the first of five new-generation ATR 72-600s as part of an agreement with the Danish lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).

The new aircraft joins Hop!'s 24-strong ATR fleet. The remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered before the end of this year.

The five ATR 72-600s will gradually replace the former ATR 72-500s as part of Hop!'s long-term strategy aiming at fleet modernization and network improvements.

The new ATR 72-600 seats 72 passengers and will fly in a brand new livery of Hop! Air France.

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with ATR and excited about the opportunities these aircraft will bring," said Lionel Guerin, Vice President Senior Executive of Hop! Air France. “These new-generation turboprops are perfectly adapted to many of our existing and potential routes. By renewing our fleet, we hope to provide travelers with more frequent rapid and direct flights, better schedules and competitive fares, while contributing to the economic growth of the regions served. That is exactly what the ATR -600 aircraft allows the airline to achieve."

ATR 72-600

Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
Maximum payload: 7,500 Kg
Range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

To date, over 60 European airlines fly more than 260 ATR aircraft, a figure that accounts for 30% of total regional aircraft with less than 90 seats in operation in the region.