Start-Ups Emerald Airlines receives ATR72s to commence operations

Emerald Airlines has signed a leasing agreement with Chorus Aviation Capital (CAC) for the delivery of six ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft to the Irish Start-Up airline. Later this month, the first aircraft is expected to join the fleet, with the remaining five aircraft to join over the course of the next 12 months.

This deal is a franchise agreement with flag-carrier airline Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines will operate on regional feeder flights to Aer Lingus´ Dublin hub, from where passengers then can take flights to destinations in Europe and North America.

With the ATR 72, Emerald Airlines is set to commence with its passenger operations. The aircraft is a popular choice with regional airlines, as it has a good environmental and economic performance. 72 passengers can be welcomed on board of the largest and latest turboprop aircraft in ATR´s portfolio.

Conor McCarthy, Founder and Chief Executive of Emerald Airlines, confirmed: “ATRs have proven themselves in tough environments featuring unrivalled performances, leading edge comfort and an unmatched reliability. These are the right aircraft for our passengers and our airline and will be a great asset to our company. Having reached agreement with Aer Lingus and now having confirmation on our first delivery of aircraft, we are ready to hit the ground running and look forward to what the future has in store.”

Emerald Airlines seeks to offer connectivity between the island of Ireland and regional airports in the United Kingdom and beyond. The ATR turboprops will also be receiving Aer Lingus branding and livery.

Leased are the aircraft from Chorus Aviation Capital and President Steven Ridolfi said: “We extend a warm welcome to Emerald Airlines as a new customer to Chorus Aviation Capital. The Emerald management team has a wealth of experience in regional aviation, and we look forward to their success as an air service provider. We are honoured to be Emerald’s first choice as aircraft lessor.”

“We couldn’t be happier with our partnership with Chorus Aviation Capital and look forward to taking delivery of our first six ATR72-600s. The ATR72 is an essential part of our strategy to offer high frequency, convenient, and affordable air travel across Ireland and the U.K.,” Emerald Airline´s McCarthy added.