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One
of Queensland’s largest regional carriers, MacAir
Airlines, has confirmed that its newly-acquired ATR 42-500 aircraft will enter service mid-year
on the key Townsville-Mount Isa route.
The 50-seat aircraft is currently undergoing final preparation in Europe, where it has just been painted in MacAir colours, in readiness for delivery
to Townsville later this month.
It will operate peak-time flights for business travellers between Townsville and Mt Isa, and a range of contract services for resources companies.
Managing Director of MacAir, Mr. Randal McFarlane, said the investment in the multi-million dollar ATR aircraft signalled a new phase of
growth for the airline, which currently serves 36 destinations throughout regional Queensland.
“This acquisition also reflects our confidence in the Queensland economy, in particular the resources sector,” said Mr. McFarlane.
“Not only has the resources boom created new jobs and generated demand for new flying to remote mine sites,” he said. “It has also increased
demand for air travel on other routes, reflecting the flow-on economic benefits of the growth in mining.”
The ATR 42-500 is a large, high-speed, modern turboprop airliner, which offers a spacious cabin for passengers and a large rear cargo
compartment.
Although new to Australia, the ATR 42-500 and the larger ATR 72-500 are in operation elsewhere in the Pacific region, flying with operators in New
Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Fiji. More than 800 ATR’s have been delivered worldwide with over 60 aircraft being delivered
each year.
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