Binter presented a new plane this Tuesday that will begin operating in the coming days, a latest-generation ATR72-600 that stands out for its modernity, versatility and efficiency and incorporates one of the most advanced navigation systems of the moment.
This is the seventh ATR 72-600 that the company has incorporated into its fleet and will be joined by two other new aircraft before December 31, 2017. The acquisition of these aircraft is part of the renewal process launched by the airline in 2015 and which contemplates the purchase of a total of 18 aircraft of the most advanced aircraft model of the Italian-French aircraft manufacturer, which will continue to arrive in the Canary Islands gradually until 2021. In this way, Binter will have one of the most modern fleets in the country, for which an investment of more than 700 million euros has been necessary since the airline was acquired by Canary Islands businessmen.
In addition to the turboprop aircraft, the airline has two Bombardier CRJ-1000 jet aircraft, also new, which will be joined in October by a third unit with the same characteristics. These aircraft are used to operate longer international routes, in addition to making some inter-island connections.
Since its origins, in 1989, Binter has transported more than 60 million passengers. It currently operates an average of 180 flights a day between its different routes, 8 inter-island and 11 with foreign countries, with direct connections from the Canary Islands to Lisbon, Madeira, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Dakhla, El Aaiún, Nouakchott, Dakar, Banjul and the island of Sal.
The new ATR 72-600 model has a capacity of 72 seats and has the latest technologies in the field of assisted navigation tools and the highest standards of comfort for passengers. This type of aircraft is more respectful of the environment and can take off and land on shorter runways, which allows it to operate in airports where other types of aircraft cannot.
In this new aircraft model, customers will be able to enjoy a cabin with thinner seats that allow for more space. Another novelty is that the luggage compartments are 30% larger. In addition, details such as an LED lighting system improve passenger comfort during the flight.
It also provides improvements in piloting, with a cabin that has five digitized LCD screens that facilitate information to pilots.
About ATR
Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader in the regional aircraft market with up to 90 seats. Since its creation, ATR has sold more than 1,500 aircraft. With more than 25 million flight hours, ATR models equip the fleets of 190 airlines in more than 90 countries.
ATR is a consortium equally owned by two leading European aeronautical entities, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and Airbus Group. Its headquarters are located in Toulouse (France). ATR is ISO 14001 certified. For more information, see the website www.atr-aircraft.com.
Technical data:
Passenger capacity: 72 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum take-off power: 2,750 horsepower per engine
Maximum take-off weight: 50,705 pounds (23,000 kg)
Maximum load: 16,535 pounds (7,500 kg)
Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 kilometers).