Silver Airline's new ATR-600 readies for takeoff from the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Wed. March 4, 2020. Photo Credit: CRUSELDA ROBERTS FOR VI CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — This week Silver Airways, one of America’s leading independent regional airline, today introduced its new state-of-the-art ATR-600 series aircraft in the Caribbean. On Wednesday, the new aircraft made its inaugural landing in St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The ATR-600 series aircraft is specifically designed for short-haul markets, but with the same look, feel and customer amenities of larger jetliners.
Silver is scheduled to launch a total of four new ATR-600 series aircraft in its Caribbean operation this year, including one ATR 72-600 starting today, one ATR 42-600 in April, one ATR 42-600 in June and one ATR 42-600 in July, the airline said.
Over the past year, Silver Airways has undergone a complete operational, fleet and customer service transformation and in doing so is reinventing the regional flying sector. Now the carrier said it's bringing the airline’s safe, reliable and customer-focused ATR service to the Caribbean.
“This is an exciting time for Silver Airways and regional airline flying as we continue our fleet transformation and focus on providing the highest level of safe, reliable and customer-friendly service,” said Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum. “Starting operations of the new ATR 72-600 aircraft in the Caribbean from our San Juan gateway is another great milestone for Silver Airways, ATR, our customers, our airline partners, the communities we serve and our team members.”
“It is a pleasure to welcome Silver Airway’s new fleet to Puerto Rico. The use of the ATR-600 series in their Caribbean flight network strengthens the Island’s position as the main air access hub in the region. Promoting new air access options, the creation of new routes and increasing flight frequency availability is a priority for Puerto Rico’s Governor, Wanda Vázquez Garced, and part of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s strategies to maximize the potential of the travel and tourism industry and to continue positioning the Island as a world-class destination,” said Carla Campos, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
On April 5, 2020, Silver will introduce a second ATR, an ATR 42-600, on the following routes: San Juan – St. Croix, St. Croix – St. Thomas, St. Thomas – San Juan, St. Croix – San Juan, St. Kitts – San Juan, San Juan – Tortola, Tortola – San Juan, San Juan – St. Kitts.
On July 5, 2020, Silver will introduce a fourth ATR, an ATR 42-600, on the following routes: San Juan – St. Croix, St. Croix – St. Thomas, St. Thomas – San Juan, St. Kitts – San Juan, San Juan – Anguilla, Anguilla – San Juan, San Juan – Antigua, Antigua – San Juan, San Juan – St. Croix, St. Croix – St. Thomas, St. Thomas – San Juan, San Juan – St. Kitts.
Silver Airways first launched its new ATR fleet in the U.S. last year with the 46-seat ATR 42-600, making history as the first U.S. carrier to operate the newly redesigned and technologically advanced, customer friendly ATR-600 series aircraft. It had been nearly 25 years since a new ATR had flown in the U.S. It marked the first time revenue passengers have flown an ATR-600 operated by a U.S. carrier and the first time a fully independent U.S. regional airline has taken delivery of a new aircraft in many decades. The new ATRs provide Silver’s guests with an unparalleled flying experience and reliability, and pilots with the industry’s most advanced cockpit.
To date, Silver Airways has taken delivery of its first 10 of up to 50 ATR-600s, including seven ATR 42-600s and three ATR 72-600s. Future ATR-600 deliveries will be comprised of both ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s.
The new ATR-600 series aircraft are allowing Silver to expand its service in the Southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. By introducing the mission-specific ATR 42-600 aircraft with seating for 46 and ATR 72-600 with seating for 70, Silver has the unique ability to offer quicker direct flights to even more short and medium-haul leisure and business destinations in both domestic and nearby international markets.
The new ATR-600 series features the widest cabin in the regional aircraft market with a new ergonomic design and lightweight slim seats offering passengers maximum comfort with up to a 32-inch pitch offering more legroom than many mainline aircraft. In addition, Silver’s ATR fleet offers spacious full-size overhead bins for carry-on bags along with full-size lavatories, bright LED lite cabins and is quieter than regional jets. The new ATR-600 series also features the latest innovations in cockpit technology with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety and improved handling for pilots, as well as the latest in avionics technology. The state-of-the-art, all-glass cockpit further reduces flight crew workload and enhances situational awareness while providing better reliability, maintenance cost savings and weight reduction.
Silver Airways has codeshare and interline relationships with most of the leading airlines in the U.S. and many worldwide. The new ATRs provide superior air transportation with a level of comfort and quietness commensurate with the service of Silver’s worldwide airline partners.
