Regional airline LIAT Limited has started its fleet upgrade with the first new ATR 72-600 aircraft being delivered today (Thursday).
This first ATR in LIAT’s fleet is being leased from the lessor GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services).
The aircraft is the first of a total of eight ATRs (four 68-seat ATR 72-600 and four 48-seat ATR 42-600s) that will be introduced into LIAT’s fleet.
The introduction of these brand new ATR -600s in LIAT’s current fleet of 14 aircraft is a part of the airline’s restructuring plans aiming at fleet modernization and network improvements.
By progressively replacing its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft with the modern and fuel efficient ATRs, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design.
The line-up of the full new generation ATR model range will allow LIAT to optimize their fleet on their pan-Caribbean network with aircraft of one same family, offering both 50 and 70 seat capacity.
“LIAT currently connects 21 destinations throughout the Caribbean with most routes under 100 Nm, like Grenada to Trinidad, or Dominica to Antigua. The 68-seat ATR 72-600s are perfectly adapted to many of our existing and potential routes,” says Ian Brunton, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT.
He said by renewing its fleet, LIAT’s customers “will enjoy more efficiency and better travel experience. The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified turboprop aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft”.
It is anticipated that the first ATR 72-600 will be in service by the end of June, with the remaining aircraft expected for delivery during 2013 and 2014.
Specifications of the ATR 72-600:
Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
Maximum payload: 7,500 Kg
Range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)
So they cannot make planes for Liat with both prop and jet? same as they have boats with inboard and outboard motors? just switch from prop to jet for long distance. The switch from jet to prop for short distance. Technology is so limited???
want a ride http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=B0C49Hfb_6c&NR=1
Jimi Hendrix and Octo you forgot to also point out that these exorbitant taxes and fees are to pay for the airports.
It’s interesting everyone bawling for lower fares but in the next breath they are bawling for international airport. It’s one or the other.
Check Barbados fees they are the highest so even with all their big planes and big facy airport guess who pays for that? YOU!!!!!! So keep bawling for lower LIAT fees and see how far you get with that.
You see that’s the downside of a “handouts” culture. It disallows the people from understanding how infrastructure affects prices.
LIAT should make strong efforts at Managing its scheduling programs and leave on time to enhance its image.
Congratulations LIAT
Congrats LIAT, now give me one of your old planes so I can convert it into a restaurant where I can name it “LIAT-Your ON TIME Diner”
Sitting in an old LIAT plane to have my dinner? No Sir, that would put me right off my food. Too many bad experiences with these people.
And serving meat from the “Abattoir?”
This first ATR in LIAT’s fleet is being leased from the lessor GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services).
Leased? You mean, LIAT did not buy and now own the aircraft?
What are the rental lease terms?
Is this going to be a hiden cost that will be incopparated into the tickets of all air travelers?
How does having to pay for ‘leased’ aircraft become any cheaper to an air traveler’s ticket?
Hey good catch! I wonder which is cheaper in this case, leasing or buying?
But even if we purchased it outright its still a cost and with leasing no need for it to be hidden what would be “hidden” is if it’s a more expensive option and if it is more expensive, especially at the expense of safety, if any private pockets are involved with that more expensive option.
all those negative comment about liat alu have no choice but to fly on liat in and out< so stop running alu d—- mouth
That is exactly why people are complaining. Our Govts. don’t want any competition so they can fix the faress and still make a loss with a mediocre service.
way to go
can this airplane land and take of at nights in and out of melvilehal
If it can during the day why not at nights?
I think you meant, can this plane can land and take off when I am asleep?
Where have you been all this time.?
– would LIAT invest in this if the plane could not do this?
– it is the same type, but updated version, that American Eagle operated in/out of Melville Hall, on a daily basis for more than a decade.
Yes but AE would NEVER allow their ATR to land at Melville Hall not even on cloudy days farless after six! Got the Point?
you are right
No, I have not got your point Maggot. Please, explain. Really curious why you would say this.
I think AE maintained this policy for a precautionary measure… but I have traveled with them to St. Croix some time back and we land by night. As to whether LIAT will bring them in Dominica during the night… I do not know! But LIAT pilots are experienced flying in and out of Dominica. So, I do not see a problem…
you stupid
Yes but will they be on time now??
The type of plane doesnt make it late or early….its scheduling, management and other factors…so I will have to fail you on this question
lol. U fail it eh…..
@c.c yep yep…he lucky I didn’t put him out of class, I meant DNO for his nonsense
i hope you all thou increase price on people with all the luxurious seats etc all you talking about there. some people cannot even take there little family on a vacation eh. thank good for the express boat and can take me and my two children on a vacation once a year to st.lucia.
Improvement is always a good thing, but LIAT got be more on time
Any specials on ticket
It is time for LIAT to move away from all these propeller only planes.
Get with the times and purchase jet engine planes to transport people to the main lands.
LIAT is so expensive compared to U.S airlines and we have shares in LIAT.
This should not be
You want jets and you also want lower prices? Jets cost more to operate than a prop. Furthermore, given the shrt distances between stops, jets would not be the best option. Jets are better suited for longer flights.
yes its true … but if they switch from prop liners to jet liners that means more fuel , would u agree if ticket prices rise ??
Volume, volume, volume = trafic, trafic, trafic= revenue, revenue, revenue= reduced fares for travellers….
For being dumb on a basic issue I have no choice but to fail you or ban you on DNO….choose one
OPO. I LIKE YOUR STYLE! You fail them whenever their comment is ” ludicrous”.. (Y). Thumbs up!
LIAT operates mainly on short routes were a turbo-prop aircraft, like the ATR offers significantly better fuel economies over a pure jet. Over a typical300 nautical mile stretch the ATR72’s fuel consumption will be equivalent to approx. half that of a comparable regional jet. Believe me, the people at LIAT know what they are doing in this regard.
propeller planes are more money Jets cost more to operate
Liat full of it their prices will jack up soon
“the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs”. i just hope these savings will be passed on to us passengers
You obviously did not read where they said they plan to increase their profitability (or reduce their losses)
GOOD, hope I get to use this new aircraft in December.
God’s guidance it’s a step in the right direction. I do hope by reducing operating and maintenance cost, it will lead to a reduction in airfares. Good luck!
Thumbs up Mr. Brunton, a move in the right direction. Hopefully the introduction of the remaining aircraft will go according to plan also. Now you will have more time to tackle that other monster, cutting excessive overheads.Sincere best wishes and good luck.
By progressively replacing its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft with the modern and fuel efficient ATRs, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design
What about reduction in air fare?You can keep your comfort,its only a 45 mins flight.
Here is your answer:
“….gain further in profitability….”
Congrats LIAT. Looking forward to a much improved service.
Did they tell you the first aircraft is not able to pass the inspection test, when tested in Antigua?
Pilot, I don’t know what makakkery they’re up to in Antigua but if the plane passed inspection in the U.S.A. and the factory inspection in Europe it is good enough for me. it is a new plane, is it not? Yhose people in Antigua too much of a show-off.
The aircraft is being delivered today. So you are saying that that the aircraft has been delivered, tested, results submitted and you already have the info? Do you expect me to believe you? It does not add up!
On another note, a large part of the fare is made up of taxes.
Thanks you Octo. A lot of these people do not take the time to review the make up of the cost of ticket. Because LIAT collects teh money, they think all of it stays in LIAT’s pocket.
o my god thank u lord can wait to ride in style.safe flying and again thank u lait and all your share holders countries.
Wow thats great news Liat …Awesome.
Great!