Queensland's MacAir takes delivery of ATR- 42-500

Last week, Queensland’s MacAir Airlines entered a new era with the arrival in Townsville of Australia’s first ATR 42-500 regional airliner, after a five-day delivery flight from Europe.

The much-anticipated 50-seat aircraft, registered VH-UYJ, flew from Toulouse, France, via Luxor (Egypt), Muscat (Oman), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Cocos (Keeling) Island and Broome.

After receiving a traditional “water arch” welcome from two airport fire tenders, the aircraft was greeted by MacAir staff, and by Cr Dale Parker (Townsville City Council), Cr Deanne Bell (Thuringowa City Council), and the General Manager of Townsville Airport, Mr Maurice Geary.

When it enters service in June, the ATR - now MacAir’s largest aircraft - will provide a substantial increase in peak-period seating capacity on the key route between Townsville and Mt Isa, as well as on “fly-in, fly out” services to several major mine sites.

This will also release 36-seat SAAB 340B aircraft which currently operate peak flights on the Townsville-Mt Isa route, enabling the airline to increase capacity in other markets and further support its mining customers.

“The introduction of the ATR 42-500 is a very significant development for MacAir, for Queensland and for the regional air transport industry in Australia,” said the airline’s Managing Director, Mr Randal McFarlane.

“The ATR 42-500 is a high-speed, low-noise aircraft, which offers a spacious passenger cabin fitted with comfortable leather-covered seats, plus a galley, a toilet/washroom, and a substantial freight compartment,” 

“The 2 x 2 seat cabin layout guarantees that every passenger has a window or aisle seat, the generous overhead luggage lockers provide plenty of space for carry-on items, and the 50-person capacity meets the growing demand for more seats on our busiest routes.”

“In addition, the ATR 42-500 is an in-production aircraft, incorporating not only the latest in cabin facilities, but the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly engines of any aircraft in this category. It will serve regional Queensland well,” McFarlane added.

Although new to Australia, the ATR 42-500 and the larger ATR 72-500 are in operation elsewhere in the Pacific region, flying with operators in New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Fiji.

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