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A new ATR has joined Aurigny's fleet, with G-PEMB making its first flight into Guernsey Airport this morning.
The ATR 72-600 has been rented from Jetstream, a Miami-based aircraft lessor.
It's now the fourth ATR 72-600 in Aurigny's fleet, joining G-ORAI, G-OGFC, and G-OATR in operating flights between Guernsey, the UK, and some European destinations.
Aurigny says having multiples of the same type of plane in its fleet will enable it to provide customers with a more "resilient and reliable service".
G-PEMB flew in to Guernsey this morning, landing at 09:05 said Aurigny CEO, Nico Bezuidenhout.
“Welcoming the fourth ATR to Aurigny’s fleet is a positive step toward providing our customers with the most resilient and reliable service possible," he said.
"The aircraft type is a known quantity to Aurigny and, opting to lease rather than own this aircraft, the airline achieves a better mix between owned and leased assets, as called for by our shareholder-approved strategy.
"We also look forward to fostering a strong relationship with Jetstream, an established lessor with an existing presence within the UK and US regional aviation markets.”
The plane is 10 years old which is "roughly half the average age of the Airbus A319 fleet in use by a prominent UK low-cost carrier" said Aurigny.
The plane will be registered locally as G-PEMB "in honour of Guernsey's Pembroke beach" added the airline.
This name reflects the other locally inspired names of Aurigny's ATRs, supporting the Guernsey FC footballers and the Raiders rugby team.
G-PEMB still needs to have some of its aircraft checks carried out before it can operate local services.
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has to inspect all new fleet additions, which will be done over the coming few days.
Aurigny said its new plane will initially fly in its current red and white colour scheme to speed up its entry into service, but it will be repainted in Aurigny’s white and yellow livery during the winter months.
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