ATR seeks expansion in Australia on Virgin deal

ATR announced it expects to build on its recent deal with Virgin Blue and Skywest Airlines and gain more of the regional aircraft market in the future (The Australian, 04-Mar-2011). Virgin Blue will operate 18 ATR 72 aircraft as part of a strategic alliance with Perth-based Skywest. The ATRs will replace the airline's six Embraer E170s. Sydney-based head of sales John Moore stated: "There was no reason why we shouldn't be present in Australia - we think we have a product that's well suited to the market and there are some opportunities here."