TrueNoord leases ATR72-600 to Silver Airways

TrueNoord, the specialist regional aircraft lessor, has signed a long-term operating lease with Silver Airways for an ATR72-600. The turboprop entered Silver Airways’ fleet at the end of May and is flying in Silver’s network within the southeast United States and the Bahamas.

Garry Topp, Sales Director for TrueNoord responsible for the Americas, comments: “As Silver Airways transitions its entire fleet to ATRs we’re especially pleased to provide this aircraft at a time when they are seeing rapid growth in demand. Identifying opportunities for re-marketing and successful placement of our aircraft into new markets that consolidate our growth in a challenging environment is a cornerstone of our business strategy. Aptly named ‘Silver Warrior’, and bearing new brand livery, this is TrueNoord’s first turboprop placement in North America and our first aircraft on lease with Silver Airways.”

Prior to transitioning to Silver Airways, the ATR72-600 (MSN1038) was previously leased by TrueNoord to Nordica, the Estonian carrier. It was reconfigured to US specifications at ATR Francazal near Toulouse, France prior to ferry flight to Florida.

Silver Airways looks forward to developing a strong long-term relationship with TrueNoord as it expands its fleet of ATR aircraft. Steve Rossum, CEO of Silver Airways said: “We have enjoyed working with the TrueNoord team and this beautiful ATR will assist us in providing safe, reliable, and customer-friendly service to our valued passengers. The ATR is the perfect aircraft for our route network across the southeastern United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean, it will quickly generate value to our business, and will spearhead our services as we meet demand as travel recovers in our markets. We are delighted with the sleek, new livery that was designed and named ‘Silver Warrior’ by our loyal and dedicated team members to celebrate our work force’s resiliency, determination, and teamwork” added Rossum.

“This is a significant moment for TrueNoord as we develop our footprint across the Americas” adds Anne-Bart Tieleman, CEO – TrueNoord. “We are pleased to be part of a recovering US market and we welcome Silver Airways to our regional airline lessee family as they fully transition their fleet to ATRs. There is evidence of renewed confidence amongst airlines that can deploy regional aircraft to cope effectively with fluctuating regulations due to COVID-19, varying passenger numbers, and seasonal peaks. TrueNoord is geared up to support airlines who need to factor in short frequent flights, inhospitable terrain and environmental considerations. Our portfolio in the region also comprises six Embraer 170s leased to Republic Airlines and a pair of E195s at Azul Linhas Aereas – we are currently exploring additional opportunities.”

Silver Airways is a Part 121 U.S. certificated air carrier operating daily scheduled flights between gateways in Florida, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean. Silver Airways is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with maintenance facilities in Orlando, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

9 June 2021