Silver Airways has taken delivery of the newly redesigned ATR-600 aircraft, specifically made for short-haul travel from small to mid-size communities.
The delivery marks the first time an ATR-600 has been delivered to a US carrier and the first time a fully independent US regional flying airline has taken delivery of a new aircraft in many decades.
Silver is debuting one of its new ATR-42-600s in its new livery at the Farnborough International Air Show this week.
The new aircraft are allowing Silver to expand it service on shorter-haul routes from small to mid-size cities in domestic and nearby international markets.
By introducing the mission-specific ATR-42-600 aircraft, with seating for 46, Silver has the unique ability to offer safe, quick, direct flights on short-haul routes at an attractive price.
The new ATR-600 series fleet will allow Silver to expand service for travellers on existing routes in Florida, the Bahamas, and New England, and recently announced routes in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, and beyond.
Silver recently acquired independent US regional airline Seaborne Airlines and upon expected merger of the two airlines in 2019, Silver intends to utilize ATR-600 series aircraft from Seaborne’s gateways in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands to destinations throughout the Caribbean.
The new ATRs replace 27 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft operated by Silver and Seaborne.
The delivery marks the first of up to 50 new ATR-600 series aircraft, including an initial order for 20 ATR-42-600 aircraft and the ability to up gauge certain deliveries to the larger series ATR-72-600s.
“The new ATR-600 series aircraft will be transformational for Silver Airways and are ideal for our short-haul domestic and nearby international operations,” said Steve Rossum, chief executive officer of Silver and Seaborne.
“Thank you to our ATR and Nordic business partners in structuring a unique series of transactions that were truly responsive to Silver’s needs and our customers’ expectations.
“Retiring the Saab fleet and replacing those aircraft with more customer-pleasing, current generation eco-friendly ATR aircraft creates a more reliable and efficient fleet that provides a better overall experience for our guests traveling on Silver.”
Silver has entered into leasing arrangements with Nordic Aviation Capital who have agreed to acquire the initial 20 aircraft from ATR for operation by Silver.
Silver Airways also unveiled its new “flamingo pink” colour livery with the delivery of its first new ATR.
Emblazoned with an eye-catching silver flamingo and maintaining the classic Silver Airways “turbine” has resulted in a fresh new look for Silver.
Although the airline is expanding its geographic footprint, the flamingo is a natural choice as a memorable symbol of the airline’s Florida roots.