Industry Air Botswana takes delivery of its first ATR 72-600

The flag carrier got its ATR 72-600 delivered from Toulouse, France. It is the first of two aircraft that the airline will receive. Both aircraft originate from a contract signed in July. According to ATR, the second ATR 72-600 will be delivered before the end of the year.

Air Botswana has configured its new turboprop with 70 seats in a two-class configuration. With the new aircraft, the carrier aims at upgrading the current fleet, which consists of three ATR 42-500s and one ATR 72-500.

The delivery of the new aircraft represents the airlines´ intention to furthermore improve and enhance its services. The ATR 72-600 aircraft could also be a possible replacement for aging aircraft in the fleet.

Agnes Tsholofelo Khunwana, CEO of Air Botswana, said: “We have been using ATRs for over 20 years and are very satisfied with their operating results. The latest generation of ATRs will allow us to provide the highest standards of comfort, reliability and eco-efficiency to our customers."

Stefano Bortoli, CEO of ATR, added, “Air Botswana is a long-standing ATR operator for over 20 years. Upgrading their fleet with 72-600s is a sign of confidence and we are very proud of that.

Bortoli added, that over 120 ATR aircraft are currently flying in Africa. He stated, that the turboprop would be the right aircraft for regional aviation in these areas. ATR aims to play a major role in supporting local economies and social development for communities in Africa, Bortoli concluded.

Air Botswana is the flag carrier of Botswana and was founded in 1988. Today, the airline is an important part for boosting the country´s tourism and business. Air Botswana is a member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and operates a fleet of three ATR 42-500s, one ATR 72-500, one ATR 72-600, one Avro RJ and one Canadair Regional Jet CRJ 100.