The 30th ATR aircraft operated by Air New Zealand has entered service. The 72-600, registered ZK-MZG flew from from Christchurch to Invercargill.
Delivered from the manufacturing site in Toulouse, France, the newcomer’s weeklong journey spanned more than 20,000 kilometres, with stops in Heraklion, Riyadh, Oman, Hyderabad, Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Darwin, and Brisbane before landing in Christchurch.
READ: Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand to expand Christchurch Engine Centre
Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Strategy, Networks, and Fleet, Baden Smith, said the arrival of the latest ATR is a valuable addition to the airline’s services in the region.
READ: Starlink hardware approved for use on ATR
“The ATR is a fantastic aircraft and the backbone of our domestic network for regional customers. It performs exceptionally well in New Zealand’s unique operating conditions with its fuel efficiency, reliability, and ability to access smaller airports. The aircraft’s versatility ensures we can maintain a robust and resilient service, connecting our communities across the motu efficiently,” said Smith.
This new ATR features the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engine, which is designed to deliver an estimated 3% fuel savings compared to its predecessor. This is Air New Zealand’s first ATR72-600 with this engine type.
The airline also has another ATR on order, scheduled to arrive in mid-2025. It has operated ATR aircraft since 2012.
Weekly news, offers, incentives and more straight to your inbox.
Select the publications you would like to subscribe to:
© Real Response Media 2023
TERMS PRIVACY
