Startup airline airHaifa has announced the delivery of the first of two ATR 72-600 aircraft, the first of airHaifa’s fleet at Haifa International Airport.
airHaifa ordered the aircraft in 2023 and plans to begin operations soon. An AOC is expected from the CAAI (Civil Aviation Authority of Israel) by September 2024. The second aircraft delivery is scheduled for 2025.
The airline will offer connections to destinations in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. It is the first commercial airline to be based in Haifa and the first new Israeli airline since the 1990s.
“We focus on sustainable development, passenger satisfaction, and regional connectivity,” said Gonen Usishkin, Chief Executive Officer of airHaifa. “By building our fleet around the ATR 72-600 aircraft, we will continue to actively contribute to our region’s economic prosperity and provide our customers with affordable, reliable, convenient and socially responsible means of transport.”
The ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, equipped with PW127XT-M engines, boasts low operating costs and high sustainability features. It emits only 69g of CO2 per seat per kilometre and saves 45% in CO2 emissions compared to regional jets.
The aircraft are designed for regional operations and are a popular choice for startup airlines. So far this year, 18 new orders for ATR aircraft have been placed with various operators.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “ATR has a strong reputation and a proven track record in the regional aircraft market, making it the ideal partner for startup airlines looking to benefit from the expertise, experience and support of a well-established aircraft manufacturer, which is invaluable during the initial stages of launching operations.”
Haifa International Airport was established in 1934 and was the first international airport in Israel. airHaifa aims to enable convenient connections for around three million residents in northern Israel, who are closer to Haifa than Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
Photo: ATR/airHaifa
