Romanian flag-carrier Tarom is to modernise its regional fleet with the acquisition of nine ATR 72-600 turboprops.

It is to lease the aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital.

Tarom will start taking delivery of the aircraft in October this year and complete the intake during 2020.

ATR

The airline is already an ATR operator with nine older models including seven of the smaller ATR 42-500 and two 72-500s.

ATR claims the new aircraft will provide another 330,000 annual seats for short-haul connections, at the "same operating cost" as the previous seat level.

Newly-appointed Tarom chief executive Madalina Mezei says the airline carried out a "comprehensive review" of available types, and that the ATR proved to be the "best aircraft to meet our ambitious targets".

"With this aircraft, we will be able to develop new routes and increase frequency and seat availability," she says, "while introducing the highest levels of comfort and the latest technology."

Source: Cirium Dashboard