Canadian regional operator Rise Air will be the country’s launch customer for the ATR 72-600, having placed a firm order for an aircraft to be delivered in 2025.

The Saskatoon-based carrier also announced plans to lease two more ATR 72-600s for delivery in 2026.

The turboprops, powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engines, will be configured to accommodate 68 passengers.

ATR says the deal is the biggest investment the airline has ever made and calls it the “biggest step” in its fleet renewal plans. Rise Air is the product of a 2021 merger between two regional operators West Wind Aviation and Transwest Air, and operates primarily in the province of Saskatchewan.

The airline is also an existing ATR operator, with a fleet of five ATR 42s operating alongside other older turboprop aircraft.

Derek Nice, Director of the airline, said: “The exceptional performance of the ATR 72-600 and its low environmental footprint make it the ideal choice to operate in the diverse and challenging conditions in which we operate. We look forward to continuing to improve regional connectivity and support economic growth in the regions we serve.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Managing Director of ATR, adds: “This agreement…demonstrates the growing interest in the ATR -600 series for markets like Canada, where the replacement of older aircraft with efficient and effective alternatives and the Improving connectivity throughout the year in extreme weather conditions is crucial. .”