Caribbean Airlines (Port of Spain) has signed a contract for the purchase of nine 68-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft. Deliveries will start in October 2011. Caribbean will use the new aircraft to replace its fleet of five Bombardier DHC-8-300 turboprops. Some of the new ATR 72s will be operated for Air Jamaica.

The new ATR 72–600 features the latest technological enhancements while building upon the advantages of the current ATR 72-500 aircraft, namely its high efficiency, proven dispatch reliability, low fuel burn and operating cost. It will include the new PW127M as standard engine (new engines provide 5% additional thermodynamic power at takeoff, thus improving performance on short runways, in hot weather and on high altitude). The incorporation of the “boost function” enables use of this additional power as needed, only when called for by the takeoff conditions.), Glass Cockpit flight deck featuring five wide LCD screens that will replace the current EFIS (Electronic Flight instrument System). In addition, a multi-purpose computer (MPC) will further enhance Flight Safety and operational capabilities. The new avionics, to be supplied by Thales, will also provide CAT III and RNP capabilities. It will also include the new lighter and more comfortable seats and larger overhead baggage bins.