First Air Takes Delivery of its First ATR 42-500

First Air, the Airline of the North, has taken delivery of its first ATR 42-500. This aircraft type will be replacing the older generation of ATR 42-300s, currently used for Northern operations and based at the airline’s hubs in Iqaluit and Yellowknife.

The benefit to using ATR 42-500 over the 300 series planes is improved performance and passenger comfort. The upgraded cabin allows for better seating options, as well as an increase in payload capacity.

Despite being very popular worldwide, no other airline in Canada operates the ATR 42-500. Being new to Canada means that the ATR 42-500 requires certification by Transport Canada. Once certified, it is expected that the new aircraft will enter service in the last quarter of 2015 from its base in Yellowknife.

“The ATR 42-500 is a state-of-the-art regional turboprop aircraft, very well suited for the harsh weather conditions in Canada’s North and able to operate on gravel runways,” said Dr. Brock Friesen, President and CEO at First Air.

The aircraft was bought from Nordic Aviation Capital, the world’s largest owner of regional turboprop aircraft.

“The new ATR will offer improved seating and comfort, as well as a higher cargo capacity,” said Bert van der Stege, VP Commercial at First Air. “We are excited to invest in a more modern fleet of aircraft, well suited for the North.”

Guillaume Gasparri, President of ATR Americas, said, “ATR is pleased to see First Air’s continued commitment to service and innovation with their decision to replace the existing ATR fleet with the newer 42-500 aircraft. The 500 family offers greater efficiency and economics, which the ATR family of aircraft is known for around the world. ATR looks forward to its continued partnership with First Air in growing the ATR fleet in Canada.”

First Air is well known for its expertise in ATR operations. Besides flying ATRs, the airline offers the largest ATR Maintenance and Engineering facility in Canada, including heavy maintenance work to third parties.

First Air currently operates eleven ATRs. The new 500 series will gradually replace the 300s on the scheduled passenger and combination routes. Several of the current 300 series planes are scheduled to be upgraded to full freighter aircraft by 2016.