Above: an ATR 72-600

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Caribbean air carrier LIAT has taken delivery of the first of a series of eight new aircraft it will be introducing into its fleet, the company announced.

The company began the fleet upgrade with an ATR 72-600 it is leasing from GE Capital Aviation Services, the first of eight ATR planes, including four 68-seat ATR 72-600s and four 48-seat ATR 42-600s, both of which are turboprop planes.

“By renewing our fleet our customers will enjoy more efficiency and better travel experience,” LIAT CEO Ian Brunton said in a release. “The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort.”

The first ATR 72-600 is expected to begin service before the end of June, with the rest of the new fleet slated for delivery in 2013 and 2014.

ATRs are used today in many island areas, including the Caribbean, the South Pacific and the Canary Islands, among other locations.