‍ATHENS — AEGEAN Airlines (A3) has added a new ATR 72-600 to its regional fleet, which its subsidiary, Olympic Air (OA), operates. The new turboprop marks another step in AEGEAN’s plan to modernize its short-haul operations and improve efficiency on routes around Greece. 

The airline isn’t stopping there; it has also ordered two more ATR 72-600s, which are expected to arrive by December 2026.

“We are pleased to welcome the new ATR 72-600 to our fleet and look forward to the arrival of two more aircraft by December 2026,” said Michalis Kouveliotis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AEGEAN Airlines.

Currently, Olympic Air (OA) operates a total of 15 ATR aircraft, comprising 12 ATR 72s and three ATR 42s, primarily flying to and from Greece’s islands and smaller regional airports. The newer ATRs are expected to lower fuel use and carbon emissions, making operations greener and more cost-efficient over time.

ATR 72: Still the Go-To Aircraft for Island Hopping

The ATR 72 has been in service for decades and remains one of the most popular regional aircraft in the world. It’s known for being reliable, cheap to run, and plentiful on short routes. The first ATR 72 entered service in 1989, and since then, over 1,600 have been built for more than 200 airlines.

The newest ATR 72-600 version features improved Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engines and updated cockpit technology, making it more efficient and quieter than its older counterparts. Airlines in countries with numerous islands, such as Greece and Indonesia, favor the ATR because it can handle short runways and quick turnarounds with ease.

With these upgrades, A3 and OA aim to strengthen their network and continue offering cleaner, smoother, and more reliable flights across Greece and its surrounding regions.