Authorities clear ATR 72 for London City operations

By David Kaminski-Morrow

ATR has secured approval for its ATR 72 turboprop to operate to London City Airport, clearing the way for Ireland's Aer Arann to use the type for its Isle of Man connection.

The approval followed trials at the downtown airport conducted on 30 January.

Both the smaller ATR 42-300 and -500 variants already have clearance to operate into London City, the approach path to which demands a 5.5° glideslope.

"We are very satisfied with this approval because it will provide our ATR 72-500 operators with the opportunity to expand their network to the financial heart of the UK," says ATR senior vice-president, operations, Luigi Lombardi.

Aer Arann started Isle of Man flights from London in January, restoring some of the capacity to the island depleted after the collapse of EuroManx. It will immediately put ATR 72s on the service.

Chief Executive Paul Schutz says: "Introduction of the ATR 72-500 was a major element in our plans to offer a high quality product on this key business and leisure route."