Aurigny Air Services (GR, Guernsey) has taken delivery of its latest ATR - Avions de Transport Régional aircraft, with an ATR72-600 arriving in Guernsey on October 25.

The latest recruit, G-OATR (msn 1580), joins a fleet of other ATR turboprops used by the UK regional carrier, made up of three ATR72-500s and a single ATR42-500. When referencing the ch-aviation PRO airlines module, it also operates two Do228s and a sole E190. Two further ATR72-600s - G-OGFC (msn 1595) and G-ORAI (msn 1599) - are expected to join the fleet in the near future.

Aurigny’s CEO, Mark Darby, said in a statement: “We are very proud of Aurigny’s role in providing essential connectivity between Guernsey and the UK. Our customers depend on the services that we provide, and we want to deliver them the very best. Our ATR fleet has been key in that for many years and upgrading our fleet will allow us both to optimise our operations with the very latest avionics while providing our passengers with a modern, comfortable cabin, in which they can relax and enjoy their flights.”

Commercial flights with the new aircraft are due to begin next week, but at the moment the first destination for G-OATR is under wraps.

Aurigny was also the launch customer for ATR's ClearVision Enhanced Vision System (EVS) which facilitates improved operations into difficult airports. The EVS will provide pilots with outstanding vision and situational awareness enabling landings in lower visibility conditions than was previously possible. The technology will prove very useful on Aurigny's flights to Guernsey, as the island is often affected by poor weather.