ATR and REX cooperating on fleet upgrade

World number one turboprop manufacturer ATR and Australia’s biggest independent airline Regional Express (REX) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in studying optimised solutions for the replacement and modernisation of its fleet. The agreement has the potential to see REX complement and expand its existing broad domestic route network with a mix of ATR 42 and 72-600 aircraft. The airline and airframer will also seek to work together to explore financing and training options, in particular on flight crew ab-initio training.

The versatile -600 series is an ideal option for route network and revenue expansion, increasing efficiency, and offering operators lower seat costs. The ATR 72-600 has a fuel burn advantage of 40% compared to a similar-sized regional jet. Alongside REX’s existing fleet of 30 seater turboprops, the ATR 42-600 represents an opportunity to enhance services to remote communities relying on essential connectivity, at a lower cost per seat.

Fabrice Vautier, Senior Vice President of ATR said: “We are delighted to be able to cooperate with such a great and well-proven company as REX. The aviation industry is currently facing strong challenges but fruitful partnerships with airlines such as Regional Express, who understand the importance of regional connectivity and also bring with them valuable insight and can allow us to continue to develop our product range and strategy to meet the needs of our operators. It is vital that communities and businesses can continue to prosper thanks to regional routes and we believe ATR aircraft range provides a sustainable and dependable transportation system to airlines and the regions that they serve.”