Air Madagascar has agreed to acquire two ATR 72-600s during the first half of this year as part of a modernisation programme.

The first aircraft will be delivered on 15 March with the second arriving a month later, following a deal signed with the airframer earlier this month.

They will bring to five the number of ATRs operated by the airline. The agreement also includes training for technical personnel.

Air Madagascar says its board has approved the renewal as part of a broader strategic plan for the African carrier.

The carrier says it withdrew two Boeing 737-300s in December but is introducing a 737-700 to complement the regional fleet.

It is also reinforcing the number of long-haul crews for its two Airbus A340-300s.

Air Madagascar says it has adopted an “ambitious” programme to strengthen its connections this year, with increased frequencies on its domestic and international network.

Source: Cirium Dashboard