#atrpilot

ATR 72-600 Binter Canarias operated by Canair

Registration: EC-MTQ Named: Virgen de La Candelaria Type: 72-600 (-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 1469 First flight: Nov 20, 2017

Binter Canarias S.A., or simply Binter, was born in 1988 when Spanish giant Iberia decided it was time to launch a subsidiary for flights between the Canary Islands. The first flight took off on March 26, 1989. Back then, there were no sleek turboprop ATRs or fancy Embraer E-2 jets. They flew CASA CN-235s — sturdy workhorses that looked more like propeller-driven delivery vans. There were four of them, connecting Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and La Palma. But in 1990, the first ATR 72 joined the fleet — and that’s when Binter found its true star. Over time, the CASA planes faded into history, while ATRs multiplied to eleven by 1999, becoming Binter’s calling card.

The fleet kept evolving. At one point, four McDonnell Douglas DC-9s showed up. Then, in 2007, Binter made a bold move with three Bombardier CRJ1000s, becoming one of the first in Europe to operate them, though those later left the fleet. There was also a brief fling with a Boeing 737-400, but it didn’t stick around long.

The star of our poster is the ATR 72-600, a tough little plane built for short hops. Binter has 26 of these in service, perfect for island-hopping between Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera. Onboard, they don’t go overboard with luxury, but they’re not stingy either. On short flights, you might get some nuts or water, and the crew’s always got a smile — that’s their thing, or so they say. Seats aren’t assigned, so show up early, grab a window seat, and soak in the view of volcanoes from above.

ATR 72-600 Azul Brazilian Airlines

Registration: PR-AQO Named: Vamos de Azul Type: 72-600 (-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 1138 First flight: Mar 13, 2014

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S/A, commonly known as Azul Brazilian Airlines, is a prominent airline based in Barueri, a suburb of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The airline’s business model focuses on stimulating demand by offering frequent and affordable air travel options, particularly targeting underserved markets across Brazil.

The airline was founded on May 5, 2008, by David Neilman, a Brazilian-American entrepreneur who also established JetBlue and Breeze airlines in the United States. Azul began its operations on December 15, 2008, and has since grown significantly. It currently stands as the third largest domestic and second largest international airline in Brazil.

In 2015, Azul initiated a fleet modernization plan by phasing out its older ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500 aircraft, replacing them with the more advanced ATR 72-600 models. Today, Azul boasts a fleet of 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft, making it the leading airline in Brazil for servicing small airports with short runways.

ATR 72-600 Caribbean Airlines

Registration: 9Y-TTI Type: 72-600 (-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 1318 First flight: Mar 19, 2016

Caribbean Airlines, the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago and a leading airline in the Caribbean, has long been a vital connector of the region’s islands.

When Caribbean Airlines took to the skies on January 1, 2007, as the successor to BWIA West Indies Airways, it inherited a mission to unite the diverse islands of the Caribbean. While Boeing 737-800s served longer routes, the airline needed a reliable and cost-effective aircraft for short inter-island flights. Initially, this role was filled by the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300, but by the late 2000s, Caribbean Airlines transitioned to the ATR 72-500 to expand its regional operations.

By the early 2020s, Caribbean Airlines recognized the need to modernize its regional fleet to align with global aviation trends. The ATR 72-500s, though reliable, were aging, and the airline sought a successor to enhance efficiency and elevate onboard services. The answer was the ATR 72-600, the latest model in ATR’s turboprop family. By 2024, the ATR 72-600 had fully replaced the older “-500” models, becoming the cornerstone of the airline’s regional operations. These aircraft now serve routes to destinations such as Barbados, Antigua, and Guyana, ensuring seamless connectivity across the Caribbean.

In 2020, Caribbean Airlines underwent a transformative rebranding, marking its first major visual overhaul since its founding. At the heart of this was a new livery that captured the vibrancy of the Caribbean while refreshing the airline’s image. The ATR 72-600, registered as 9Y-TTI, was the first aircraft to debut this livery.

From the introduction of the ATR 72-500 in the late 2000s to the modern ATR 72-600 fleet, these turboprop aircraft have played a vital role in connecting the region’s islands and strengthening economic and cultural ties. As Caribbean Airlines’ popularity continues to grow, the ATR 72-600 remains a steadfast element, carrying the warmth of the islands to every destination it serves.

ATR 42-300 Jugoslovenski Aerotransport

Registration: YU-ALL Type: 42-300 Engines: 2 × PWC PW120 Serial Number: 012A First flight: Apr 4, 1986

In the late 1980s, JAT Yugoslav Airlines, Yugoslavia’s national carrier, was experiencing an unprecedented boom. Founded in 1927 as Aeroput and renamed JAT in 1947, the airline had grown into a major player, ranking 10th in Europe according to IATA. Its fleet spanned five continents, connecting Belgrade to dozens of cities worldwide. However, JAT’s lineup wasn’t limited to long-haul giants like the DC-10 or Boeing 707. For regional routes, smaller, more economical aircraft were needed. This is when the turboprop ATR 42-300 entered the airline’s history—humble yet reliable workhorses.

The ATR 42-300, a product of the Franco-Italian ATR consortium, first took flight in 1984. By 1987, JAT became one of the first European airlines to add these planes to its fleet. For Yugoslavia, a country with diverse geography and numerous small airports, it was an ideal choice. With a capacity of up to 50 passengers, the ATR 42-300 could land on short runways, linking cities like Sarajevo, Skopje, Titograd (now Podgorica), and Dubrovnik with the main hub in Belgrade.

For JAT, these aircraft were more than just equipment—they were part of an ambitious modernization plan. In 1987, as the ATR 42-300 joined the fleet, JAT was already operating the Boeing 737-300, becoming its first European operator. Adding the ATR was a logical step: while jetliners served international routes to London, Paris, or New York, the turboprops strengthened the domestic network. JAT took pride in its fleet, carrying millions of passengers annually. But in the 1990s, UN sanctions and the country’s breakup crippled the airline. The ATR 42-300 continued flying within Yugoslavia for a time, but their era ended with the changing times.

ATR 72-500 Utair

Registration: VQ-BLG Type: 72-500 (-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 952 First flight: Jun 9, 2011

Utair is a Russian airline founded in February 1967 as part of Aeroflot. The company's headquarters are located at Khanty-Mansiysk Airport, and the main hubs are located at Surgut and Vnukovo International airports. Utair operates scheduled domestic and some international passenger flights, as well as charter flights using airplanes and helicopters in support of the oil and gas industry in Western Siberia. In total, the airline serves more than 50 destinations.

Utair's modern fleet consists of 60 aircraft. These are mainly narrow-body Boeing 737 aircraft of different generations and several wide-body Boeing 767. Utair also has fifteen ATR 72-500 turboprop regional airliners, which are actively used on regional routes. These aircraft are ideally suited for short and medium distances, due to their cost-effectiveness and undemanding airport infrastructure.

ATR 72-500 Utair

Registration: RA-67692 Type: 72-500 (-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 972 First flight: Oct 20, 2011

Utair is a Russian airline that, together with its numerous subsidiaries, forms one of the largest aviation holdings in the country — the Utair Group. The full name is UTair Airlines PJSC It operates scheduled domestic and some international passenger services, scheduled helicopter services, and extensive charter flights with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in support of the oil and gas industry across Western Siberia. The airline's hubs are Surgut International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport. The airline's headquarters is located in Surgut.

ATR 72-600 Aer Lingus Regional operated by Stobart Air

Registration: EI-FCY Named: St Oliver Plunkett Type: 72-600 (72-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 1139 First flight: Mar 25, 2014

Stobart Air, legally incorporated as Stobart Air Unlimited Company, was an Irish regional airline headquartered in Dublin. It operated scheduled services under the brands Aer Lingus Regional, BA CityFlyer and KLM Cityhopper on behalf of their respective owners. Stobart Air had operating base in Cork, Dublin and Belfast for Aer Lingus Regional. Established as Aer Arann in 1970, a major refinancing in 2014 was associated with a name change to Stobart Air. Aer Arann (styled as Aer Arann Regional) was a regional airline based in Dublin, Ireland. The airline operated scheduled services on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional. On 19 March 2014, Aer Arann announced that it would be changing its corporate name to Stobart Air by the end of 2014. It ceased operations on 12 June 2021.

ATR 72-600 VOEPASS Linhas Aéreas

Registration: PR-PDX Named: Fénix Type: 72-600 (72-212A) Engines: 2 × PWC PW127M Serial Number: 1077 First flight: May 7, 2013

VOEPASS Linhas Aéreas previously known as Passaredo Linhas Aéreas is an airline based in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. It operates regional services in Brazil. Its main base is Dr. Leite Lopes Airport, Ribeirão Preto. The Passaredo bus transport company, owned by Viação Passaredo, started regional aircraft operations in 1995. In the year 2014 Passaredo was considered the safest of Brazil in a ranking of AirlineRatings.com, receiving seven star rating. On August 21, 2019, Passaredo announced the change of its name to VOEPASS Linhas Aéreas. On November 3, 2022, the airline became a member of the International Air Transport Association. And two days later joined the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA).