Skywest to lease 18 new ATR72 (-500 & -600) turboprops, operated for Virgin Blue

23 February 2011: Further to the recent announcement by Skywest and Virgin Blue of their 10-year strategic alliance, it has been confirmed in a Virgin Blue media release that Skywest will take delivery new ATR72 turboprops.

• “Up to” 18 ATR72s are to be ordered, in both the -500 and -600 versions. To be Virgin Blue branded.
• ATR72-500s will initially be delivered from May 2011, with four in service by the end of July. At least eight will be in service by June 2012.
• ATR72-600 versions will replace the -500s from February 2012.
• The first six ATRs will replace Virgin Blue’s Embraer E170 fleet, with additional aircraft operating to new regional destinations.
• Seating configuration is not yet confirmed – the -500 can take 68-72 passengers, and the -600 up to 74 passengers, depending on configuration.
• Under the alliance arrangement, Virgin Blue will wet-lease the aircraft from Skywest, who will lease them from Avation.
• John Borghetti says that the ATR72 uses one-third less fuel than the E170 and 20% to 30% less than the Bombardier Dash 8-400
• “It has a wider aisle and wider cabin than other aircraft we were looking at.”

ATR72 – economics (from the Virgin Blue media release):

Note: Cost based on list prices; Fuel cost, CO2, and flight time based on 150 nm flight; Fuel efficiency based on typical cruise at 97% MTOW. Source: ATR