TAROM (RO, Bucharest Henri Coanda) has taken delivery of its first ATR72-600 following the arrival of YR-ATJ (msn 1583) at Bucharest Henri Coanda on February 18.

The new-build ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprop is the first of nine that the state-owned Romanian carrier has secured on 10-year leases from Nordic Aviation Capital. The entire batch is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

"The introduction of the new ATR72-600 will allow Tarom to improve short-haul connectivity in Romania and support the development of local and more isolated communities, providing Tarom with the possibility to further expand and consolidate its position in the market," a statement said.

Collectively, the new -600s will replace Tarom's existing fleet of seven ATR42-500s (which average around 21.5 years of age) and two ATR72-500s (which average 11 years of age) all of which are used on domestic Romanian routes as well as short haul regional flights throughout the Balkans, Turkey, and Eastern Europe.