Bahamasair (UP, Nassau International) took delivery of its maiden ATR - Avions de Transport Régional (EVX, Toulouse Blagnac) equipment on Friday, November 28 following a handover ceremony at Toulouse Blagnac of ATR72-600 C6-BFQ (cn 1293).

The turboprop is one of two of the type ordered from the European manufacturer during this year's Paris Airshow 2015. The order also includes three ATR42-600s. Collectively, the ATRs will replace the Bahamian carrier's fleet of five DHC-8-300s.

Earlier this year, Bahamasair set a tentative January 3 launch date for ATR72 operations. Initial routes will cover Nassau International, Freeport International, and Marsh Harbour as well as flights between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale International, West Palm Beach International, Miami International, and Orlando International on the US mainland.

ATR42 operations are scheduled to commence from March 13 onwards with flights between Nassau, Freeport, North Eleuthera, San Salvador, Governors Harbour, Deadman's Cay, and Crooked Island domestically and West Palm Beach internationally.