Air Corsica Expands Fleet with Two New ATR72-600 Aircraft

Air Corsica (XK, Ajaccio) has solidified its fleet expansion plans by confirming an order for two ATR72-600 aircraft from ATR – Avions de Transport Régional. This order, initially placed during the Paris Air Show earlier this year, is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2024. This acquisition is a strategic move by the airline to enhance its operational capacity and efficiency.

The addition of these two new aircraft will increase Air Corsica’s ATR72-600 fleet from five to seven, indicating a clear focus on this aircraft type. Luc Bereni, the former chief executive of Air Corsica, had previously informed ch-aviation about the airline’s intention to retire its sole ATR42-500 by the end of 2023. This decision aligns with Air Corsica’s strategy to streamline its fleet around the ATR72-600 model. The airline had already completed the phase-out of its ATR72-500s by the end of April 2023.

Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, President of Air Corsica’s Supervisory Board, emphasized the significance of this fleet harmonization. She stated that by focusing on the ATR72-600 aircraft, Air Corsica aims to boost Corsica’s economic prosperity by offering reliable, economical, and environmentally responsible transportation options to its customers.

Currently, Air Corsica’s fleet includes not only the ATR72-600s but also one wet-leased unit of the same model from BRA – Braathens Regional Airways (TF, Trollhättan). These turboprops are primarily utilized for Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, connecting Corsica’s four airports (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari) with Marseilles and Nice.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module reveals that Air Corsica’s fleet also comprises four A320-200s and two A320-200Ns. The airline plans to further modernize its fleet by replacing two leased A320-200s with two new A320-200Ns in the first half of 2024. The remaining two A320-200s, owned by Air Corsica, will continue to serve primarily on seasonal, non-PSO routes, where their low ownership costs are advantageous. This strategic fleet upgrade underscores Air Corsica’s commitment to enhancing its service quality and operational efficiency in the competitive aviation market.