Two new ATR 72-600 aircraft are coming straight from the production line in Toulouse, France, to become a new aircraft type within the Eastern Airways fleet.

The two aircraft are part of a significant investment, and the first has been delivered to the UK regional airline today (8 September 2017).

The modern 72-seat aircraft will operate on the Aberdeen to Scatsta (Shetland Isles) oil contract charter services.

ATR is part of the Airbus group and offers a comfortable cabin environment with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit incorporating the latest technologies. It has twin turbo props using two powerful Pratt and Whitney 172m engines giving the aircraft a maximum cruise speed of 317mph.

The aircraft serial numbers are MSN1448 and MSN1482 and the two are being leased from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).

Tony Burgess, Eastern Airways’ Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are increasing our capabilities in the 70-seat market with the introduction of these two brand new ATR 72-600s into the fleet, which are ideally suited for the airports we fly to and environments we operate in. These efficient, modern aircraft help us to fulfil a vital role and provide a long term commitment supporting the oil and gas industry.”

Eastern Airways celebrates its 20th anniversary later this year and has two Embraer 170 and three Embraer 145 jets in its fleet, as well as nine Saab 2000s and is the largest operator in the world of Jetstream 41 aircraft with 17.