Virgin launches ATR services
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Virgin Australia begins ATR operations between Brisbane-Port Macquarie and Sydney-Port Macquarie tomorrow. The carrier launched commercial services with the first of its new ATR 72-500 turboprop airliners on Monday. The inaugural flight was also the airline’s first flight from Brisbane to the regional industrial city of Gladstone. These services will later be followed by flights between Sydney-Canberra and Brisbane – Emerald.
Perth-based Skywest will operate the new ATR services on behalf of Virgin Australia, with a fleet of eight 68-seat ATR 72 aircraft. The airline has orders for four of the series 500 model – three of which have now been delivered – and four of the next-generation series 600 model, as well as options to acquire another five ATR 72-600s, all of which it will operate for Virgin.