Regional turboprop manufacturer ATR and Braathens Regional Airlines have renewed their Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) for a five-year term.
The GMA renewal ensures ongoing support for the Swedish operator’s ATR fleet, including access to a large pool of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), repair and landing gears overhaul services.
ATR said the decision to renew “underscores ATR’s proven track record in reliability, cost-efficiency, and responsiveness – factors that are vital to the operational success of airlines in today’s competitive landscape”.
ATR is also providing tailored training solutions for Braathens flight crews by connecting them with students from flight schools, who, after a thorough selection process, enter a type rating course with the ATR Training Centre before joining Braathens as junior first officers.
To support the cadets’ induction, ATR Flight Instructors will provide line training assistance. This collaboration will help Braathens fulfil its need for regional pilots while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.
Braathens, which previously offered scheduled and charter services alongside wet leasing, has revised its corporate strategy to focus solely on providing flight capacity to other airlines, such as SAS and Austrian Airlines, operating flights on their behalf.
To support this strategic move, Braathens’ ATR fleet will also go from 14 aircraft to 17 by the end of the year, with one of the three ATR 72-600 to be delivered brand new from the ATR final assembly line.
“In further strengthening our partnership with ATR, we are reaffirming our confidence in their ability to deliver the consistent, high-quality support our wet-lease operations require,” said Jimmie Bergqvist, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Braathens.
An ATR 72-600 in Braathens livery.
