SKY express Invests €200m for Six ATR Sustainable Aircraft

ATR Chief Executive Stefano Bortoli and IOGR Group CEO Ioannis Grylos.

Greek airline SKY express is investing 200 million euros to acquire six new state-of-the-art sustainable aircraft from manufacturer ATR, with phased delivery expected within the year.

The deal was signed recently between Ioannis Grylos, CEO of the IOGR Group of companies that owns SKY express, and ATR Chief Executive Stefano Bortoli during a special ceremony held on the Greek island of Paros.

“SKY express has spread its wings to fly even higher. We are expanding and modernizing our fleet, increasing the number of destinations we serve and evolving our operations. The acquisition of 6 new state-of-the-art ATR 72-600 aircraft is yet another landmark in SKY express’s journey,” Grylos said.

SKY express has already received one ATR 72-600 aircraft. Delivery of the remaining five is expected by the end of the year.

The six ATR 72-600 aircraft are specially designed to meet the specifics and geographical requirements of Greek aviation. The ATR 72-600 burns up to 40 percent less fuel and emits up to 40 percent less CO2 than a similarly-sized regional jet.

“Following the addition of the 6 new Airbus A320neo that are already crossing Greek and international skies, our ATRs will support the Greek tourism industry and help reboot the Greek economy, always showing due respect to our passengers and the environment, reaching every single region of our country,” Grylos said.

On his part, ATR Chief Executive Stefano Bortoli said that SKY express will benefit from the latest-generation upgradeable avionics suite and its passengers will enjoy a modern, comfortable cabin.

“This is an investment in the most efficient and eco-responsible regional aircraft and it is an ideal time to do so… Upon the final delivery of these aircraft, SKY express will have the youngest ATR fleet in Europe and its passengers will benefit from them for many years to come,” Bortoli said.

Sky express currently covers 35 destinations in Greece and nine destinations abroad.