Industry Silver Airways commences ATR 42 services

The first flight took off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and arrived at Key West International Airport over an hour later. As being one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S., Silver Airways is risking a first-mover to operate the ATR -600 series aircraft as the first airline in the United States.

To date, the carrier has taken delivery of three new ATR 42-600 aircraft from leasing company NAC (Nordic Aviation Capital). The aircraft are predestined for short-haul markets but also feature the same look and feel of larger jetliners.

Silver Airways and Seaborne Airlines CEO Steve Rossum said: “This is truly a great day for Silver Airways, ATR, Nordic Aviation Capital and our customers that would not  have been possible without the hundreds of dedicated men and women of Silver Airways and Seaborne Airlines who have worked tirelessly over the past year to arrive at this historic moment [...] The new ATR -600 series aircraft will be transformational for Silver Airways and is ideal for our short-haul domestic and nearby international operations. The state-of-the-art aircraft allows for a safe, highly reliable and efficient fleet operation and a superior overall experience for our guests.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli added: “We are proud to see the ATR -600 aircraft take flight in the U.S. and to introduce the most modern standards of passenger experience and regional aircraft with our valued partner Silver Airways [...] We are grateful to our friends at Silver for being our U.S. launch customer; leading what we expect to be a new wave of eco-responsible and passenger-friendly regional travel and the return of the ATRs in the U.S.”

Martin Moller, Chairman of Nordic Aviation Capital concluded: “Nordic Aviation Capital is proud of its relationship with Silver Airways, and we are particularly pleased to be part of their great success story [...] The introduction of the ATR -600 series represents an essential milestone for them. We congratulate Silver Airways on their service expansion and look forward to continuing our outstanding relationship with them for many years to come.”

Over the next years, Silver Airways will receive up to 50 new ATR -600 series aircraft, with five ATR42-600 to be operations in 2019. Moreover, the carrier seeks to receive the first three ATR 72-600s this year as well. Al of the initial 20 aircraft are likely to be operational by 2020.

Silver Airways is a regional carrier in the U.S. with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. The airline was founded in 2011 and operates hubs at Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando. Next to the new ATR aircraft, Silver Airways also flies with 21 Saab 340 regional aircraft.