Airframer ATR and airHaifa, Israel’s new startup airline have announced the delivery of the first of two 72-600 turboprop aircraft, following a firm order placed in 2023.

This first delivery paves the way for airHaifa to launch commercial operations from Haifa International Airport. With the aim to enhance convenience for approximately three million residents of northern Israel, who are closer to Haifa than to Ben Gurion International Airport, airHaifa will offer  connections to destinations across the Mediterranean and Red Sea.

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The  aircraft is equipped with PW127XT-M engines, offering CO2 emission savings of 45% compared to similar-size regional jets, emitting around 69g of CO2 per seat per kilometre.

Gonen Usishkin, Chief Executive Officer of airHaifa, stated: “We are beyond excited to take delivery of the first aircraft of our fleet and achieve a major milestone as we ramp up to providing commercial services. We focus on sustainable development, passenger satisfaction, and regional connectivity; by building our fleet around the ATR 72-600 aircraft, we will continue to actively contribute to our region’s economic prosperity and provide our customers with affordable, reliable, convenient and socially responsible means of transport.”

“This new order from airHaifa for two ATR 72-600, with one delivered today and the second scheduled for delivery in 2025, marks an important milestone in our efforts to enhance regional connectivity worldwide”, commented Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer.