Taiwanese full service airline, TransAsia Airways collected its first new ATR 72-600 plane at a ceremony with ATR, the world’s largest manufacturer of regional turboprop aircraft, in Toulouse, France today. The plane is the first of 12 ATR 72-600s ordered by TransAsia Airways as part of its fleet renewal and growth program. Other planes, which will gradually replace the aircraft currently operated by TransAsia, are scheduled to be delivered within the next 2 years.

The airline will start commercial services on February 21st from Taipei Songshan Airport to Magong, gradually expanding services to all other domestic routes. The investment in new planes is part of the airline’s modernization plan, modernization plan, which maintains Trans Asia as one of Asia’s top regional airlines.
TransAsia Airways’ ATR 72-600 is configured with 72 seats in a high comfort all economy layout. This new generation aircraft provides outstanding fuel and operational flexibility, high reliability at lowest costs.

Commenting on the deal, Vincent Lin, TransAsia Airways chairman, said that the investment in new aircraft with ATR will support the company’s ambitious growth plans. “TransAsia welcomes the arrival of the first of 12 ATR 72-600s, the most eco-efficient among regional aircraft. We are ready to further expand our regional offering and to support the addition of new routes and frequencies on existing routes. The introduction of our new planes will support this growth. It is also an exciting experience for our customers as the new planes – ATR 600s – offer the most modern design in terms of cabin comfort for our passengers.”

“ATR is proud to support the growth of TransAsia Airways in the region. We are happy to partner with such prestigious operators. We are also glad to develop the presence of the new ATR -600s in Asia, a market where the demand for new generation  ATR turboprops is skyrocketing – due to the increasing operating costs for airlines and to the fact that there are many airline fleets due for renewal soon,” stated Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR.