Tag Archives: ATR 42-600

Bridging Desert and Ocean: STARLUX Airlines Links the U.S. Southwest to Asia with New Phoenix-Taipei Route–its Fifth U.S. Destination and First in the Southwest

Phoenix Sky Harbor gate launch celebration marks new nonstop service connecting travelers to Taipei and Asian destinations through STARLUX-American Airlines Partnership

Phoenix, AZ and Taipei, Taiwan – January 15, 2026 — Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines touched down today in the Valley of the Sun, inaugurating its highly anticipated nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix. The new route marks Phoenix as STARLUX’s fifth U.S. destination—after Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California—and its first in the American Southwest. Flight JX026 arrived at 17:40 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to a water arch salute, followed by a launch celebration before the return flight, JX025, departed for Taipei at 22:45.

“Today, STARLUX delivers our promise to Phoenix,” said Glenn Chai, Chief Executive Officer of STARLUX Airlines. “We are truly grateful and proud to realize this vision. Phoenix represents a vibrant and fast-growing market with tremendous business and tourism potential. Today’s launch reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to strengthening travel and trade links ties between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

A Milestone for Phoenix
“This is a milestone event for the City of Phoenix,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “STARLUX was the first to commit to ending Phoenix being the only major American city without non-stop service to and from Asia. STARLUX’s new service between Phoenix and Taipei opens the door to expanded tourism, stronger business relationships, and new opportunities for companies looking to invest in our fast-growing and vibrant region. It further strengthens Phoenix’s position as a global city and builds upon our partnership with one of Asia’s most dynamic and vital economies. We’re grateful to STARLUX and its leadership for their investment, confidence, and commitment to our community. Their presence in Phoenix helps bring jobs, economic growth, and a brighter future for all who call our city home.”

“We’re excited to welcome STARLUX to Phoenix Sky Harbor,” added Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “This new Phoenix-Taipei route provides our travelers with the much-desired service to Asia. It not only offers travelers a chance to explore Taiwan, but to experience the entire Asia region. This new route also supports jobs, brings further economic benefits, and creates new opportunities for our airport and all of Arizona. STARLUX was the first airline to commit to nonstop service between Taiwan and Phoenix, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership, investment, and commitment to bringing this important service to our region.”

STARLUX and American Airlines – Enhanced Transpacific Travel

Through its partnership with American Airlines, STARLUX connects travelers from more than 40 U.S. cities via Phoenix to Taipei, and onward to 26 Asian destinations. This partnership enhances transpacific travel options, providing coordinated schedules and a seamless journey with the high level of comfort and service STARLUX is known for.

Inaugural Celebration at Phoenix Sky Harbor

To commemorate the launch, STARLUX held an inaugural ceremony shortly after Flight JX026’s arrival. The event featured a ribbon-cutting, a commemorative aircraft model exchange, and light refreshments, highlighting the start of an exciting new chapter in the airline’s U.S. expansion.

Speakers included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport CEO Chad Makovsky; American Airlines Managing Director of Alliances Jeff Ogar; Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Partnerships & International Alex Judson; and STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai. The speakers underscored the route’s significance in strengthening cultural, economic, and aviation ties between Phoenix and Taiwan, and highlighted their shared commitment to providing travelers with greater connectivity, premium service, innovation, and expanded opportunities for cross-Pacific exchange. STARLUX operates the Phoenix-Taipei route three times weekly–Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays–using its next-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Here is the schedule:

Flight No.	Route	Days of Operation	Departure Time	Arrival Time
JX025	Phoenix-Taipei	Tue, Thu, Sun	22:45	04:55+2
JX026	Taipei-Phoenix	Tue, Thu, Sun	20:45	17:40

Note: Please refer to the STARLUX Airlines official website for the latest schedule and related information.

More airline news:

JSX starts ATR public charter operations out of Santa Monica

JSX, the United States’ leading public charter air carrier, celebrated yesterday a milestone in their partnership with a special ceremony at Santa Monica Airport, showcasing JSX’s first ATR 42-600 aircraft.

JSX, winner of the “5-Star Regional Airline” award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association for five years in a row, began operating its first ATR 42-600 in December on the Santa Monica–Las Vegas route, marking an early milestone in its fleet expansion.

Building on this success, yesterday’s event celebrated the next step in this journey: JSX will operate four ATR 42-600s in early 2026, each featuring a premium 30-seat configuration.

Route Map:

More airline news:

JAC unveils a special heart design on ATR 42-600 JA11JC “ecoPROP”

Japan Air Commuter-JAC has added a special design to its ATR 42-600 (JA11JC).

According to the airline (translated):

With the message of valuing nature, we decided to design a special painting in the shape of a heart with “leaves” that symbolize the environment (leaves of “Kaikouzu”, a prefectural tree in Kagoshima Prefecture).

With this introduction, JAC will be the 11th ATR aircraft in total, including the two ATR72-600 aircraft.

JAC operates in many areas rich in nature, including Yakushima, Amami Oshima / Tokunoshima, and Okinawa Island, which are registered as World Natural Heritage Sites. Turboprop aircraft with lower CO2 emissions are nature-friendly and eco-friendly aircraft. is. With the idea of valuing nature and passing it on to the next generation, we designed the aircraft with the letters “ecoPROP” and leaves in the shape of a heart.

JAC will continue to pursue the maintenance of the remote island network and further convenience as a wing of the region, deliver safe and secure air travel, and work on regional promotion.

Akira Uekawa reporting from Japan.

Top Copyright Photo: JAL – Japan Air Commuter ATR 42-600 JA11JC (msn 1611) ITM (Akira Uekawa). Image: 957904.

JAC aircraft photo gallery:

Photo: Olympic Air (3rd) ATR 42-600 2-RLBT (msn 1005) YHM (TMK Photography). Image: 954564.

Air Saint Pierre introduces a new livery on its first ATR 42-600

Air Saint Pierre announced on social media a new livery on its new ATR 42-600 with photo:

Air Saint-Pierre has the pleasure of sharing photos of its new aircraft. Thanks again to Floriane Fitzpatrick, designer of the new look, for her participation and her talent.

The result lives up to our expectations, and we look forward to the plane joining the fleet.

If everything goes as planned, the arrival is scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2020 around 3 pm.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Saint Pierre ATR 42-600 F-WWLZ (F-ORLB) (msn 1605) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 952222.

Silver Airways starts ATR 42-600 operations

Silver Airways on April 22 made history with the launch of regularly scheduled flights aboard its new ATR 42-600 series aircraft. The first ATR aircraft (N400SV, msn 1214) was christened “Mile Marker Zero” in honor of the iconic Key West landmark in a Silver Airways employee naming contest and the first flight appropriately departed Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at 10:40 a.m. and arrived at Key West International Airport at 11:55 a.m.

This marks the first time revenue passengers have flown an ATR 42-600 operated by a U.S. carrier and the first time a fully independent U.S. regional airline has taken delivery of a new aircraft in many decades.

The new aircraft are allowing Silver to expand its service in the Southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. By initially introducing the mission-specific ATR 42-600 aircraft, with seating for 46, Silver now has the unique ability to offer quicker direct flights to even more short and medium-haul leisure and business destinations in both domestic and nearby international markets.

The new ATR 42-600 series features the widest cabin in the regional aircraft market with a new ergonomic design and lightweight slim seats offering passengers maximum comfort. Silver’s ATR fleet will be configured with 46 seats in a 2-2 seating configuration with up to a 32-inch pitch offering more legroom than many mainline aircraft. In addition, Silver’s ATR fleet will have spacious full-size overhead bins for carry-on bags along with full-size lavatories, bright LED lite cabins and is quieter than regional jets. The new ATR-600 series also features the latest innovations in cockpit technology with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety and improved handling for pilots, as well as the latest in avionics technology. The state-of-the-art, all-glass cockpit further reduces flight crew workload and enhances situational awareness while providing better reliability, maintenance cost savings and weight reduction.

Silver Airways has taken delivery of three of up to 50 new ATR-600 series aircraft, including an initial order for 20 ATR-42-600 aircraft split among the 46-seat ATR-42s and the 70-seat ATR-72s. As the world’s leading regional flying aircraft, the new ATRs will provide Silver’s passengers unparalleled experience and reliability and pilots the industry’s most advanced cockpit.

Silver intends to take delivery and begin operating five more ATR-42-600s in 2019, and subject to regulatory approval, the airline is planning to take delivery of at least three ATR-72-600s this year. All of the initial 20 aircraft are expected to be in service by 2020.

Silver's ATR Takes Flight

Silver Airways Makes History with First New ATR 42-600 Series Flight in United States. Pictured:
ATR Director of Sales USA Paolo Tabacco, Silver Airways Executive Vice President Kurt Brulisauer,
Silver Airways and Seaborne Airlines CEO Steve Rossum, ATR Vice President Sales Americas Pier Luigi Baldacchini

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Silver Airways ATR 42-600 N400SV (msn 1214) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 945280.

Silver Airways aircraft slide show:

Silver Airways to start daily nonstop service between Orlando International Airport and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Silver Airways presented to the Okaloosa County Aviation Board with its proposed plans to start daily nonstop service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) located at Eglin Air Force Base on May 17, 2019.

Silver plans to announce its daily flight schedule and proposed fares on February 19, 2019, when the airline anticipates receiving final Okaloosa County Commission Board approval for Silver’s new service. In addition, Silver will introduce new discounted fares for active-duty military on all flights.

Silver provides more routes within Florida and between Florida and the Bahamas than any other airline, and continues to expand its already extensive Florida/Bahamas network. The airline recently started daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), and this week is starting daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS), as well as twice weekly service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and New Bight Airport Cat Island, Bahamas (TBI).

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Silver Airways ATR 42-600 F-WWLC N405SV (msn 1403) FAB (Antony J. Best). Image: 942875.

Silver Airways aircraft slide show:

Silver Airways showcases its new ATR 42-600 at Farnborough

Silver Airways made this announcement:

Silver Airways is reinventing the regional flying sector by being the first U.S. carrier to take delivery of the newly redesigned and technologically advanced, eco-friendly ATR 42-600 series aircraft, specifically made for short-haul travel from small to mid-size communities. The delivery marks the first time an ATR 42-600 has been delivered to a U.S. carrier and the first time a fully independent U.S. regional flying airline has taken delivery of a new aircraft in many decades.

Silver is debuting one of its new ATR 42-600s in its new livery at the Farnborough International Air Show this week (top photo).

The new aircraft are allowing Silver to expand it service on shorter-haul routes from small to mid-size cities in domestic and nearby international markets. By introducing the mission-specific ATR 42-600 aircraft, with seating for 46, Silver has the unique ability to offer safe, quick, direct flights on short-haul routes at an attractive price. The new ATR 600 series fleet will allow Silver to expand service for travelers on existing routes in Florida, the Bahamas, and New England, and recently announced routes in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, and beyond.

Silver recently acquired independent U.S. regional airline Seaborne Airlines and upon expected merger of the two airlines in 2019, Silver intends to utilize ATR 600 series aircraft from Seaborne’s gateways in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to destinations throughout the Caribbean.

The new ATRs will replace 27 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft operated by Silver and Seaborne (above).

The delivery marks the first of up to 50 new ATR 600 series aircraft, including an initial order for 20 ATR 42-600 aircraft and the ability to up gauge certain deliveries to the larger series ATR 72-600s. As the world’s leading regional flying aircraft, the new ATRs will provide Silver’s passengers unparalleled experience and reliability and pilots the industry’s most advanced cockpit.

Silver has entered into leasing arrangements with Nordic Aviation Capital who have agreed to acquire the initial 20 aircraft from ATR for operation by Silver.

Subject to regulatory approval, Silver will begin operating the ATR 42-600s later in 2018 and the ATR 72-600 in 2019. Silver intends to take delivery of eight ATR 42-600s in 2018 with the remaining deliveries of the first 20 aircraft expected to be completed by 2020.

The new ATR 600 series features the widest cabin in the regional aircraft market with a new ergonomic design and lightweight slim seats offering passengers maximum comfort. Silver’s ATR fleet will be configured with 46 seats in a 2-2 seating configuration with up to a 32-inch pitch offering more legroom than many mainline aircraft. In addition, Silver’s ATR fleet will have spacious full-size overhead bins for carry-on bags along with full-size lavatories and bright LED lite cabins that are quieter than regional jets. The new ATR 600 series also features the latest innovations in cockpit technology with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety, and improved handling for pilots, as well as the latest in avionics technology. The state-of-the-art, all glass cockpit further reduces flight crew workload and enhances situational awareness while providing better reliability, maintenance cost savings and weight reduction.

Introduction of New Livery

Silver Airways unveiled its new “flamingo pink” color livery with the delivery of its first new ATR. The unveiling of Silver’s livery has been much anticipated. Emblazoned with an eye-catching silver flamingo and maintaining the classic Silver Airways “turbine” has resulted in a fresh new look for Silver. Although the airline is expanding its geographic footprint, the flamingo is a natural choice as a memorable symbol of the airline’s Florida roots. “The new livery is truly remarkable and was 100 percent designed by Silver crew members,” added Rossum. “The bold colors embody the pride and confidence of our hard working crew in these new aircraft and in our company.”

Silver takes delivery of new ATR 42-600 series aircraft with new livery

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Silver Airways): Silver Airways ATR 42-600 F-WWLC N405SV (msn 1403) FAB (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942832.

Silver Airways aircraft slide show:

Drukair places order for a new ATR 42-600 equipped with the ClearVision™ system

Drukair and the world’s leading turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR today announced the signing of an order for an ATR 42-600 equipped with the new ClearVision™ system. The airline will be the first operator to benefit from the advantages of ClearVision’s™ Combined Vision System (CVS), incorporating the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) which improves visibility and the Synthetic Vision System (SVS) which generates images of terrain and obstacles using an extensive database. The combination of these solutions provides pilots with outstanding vision and consequently improves their situational awareness. This new ATR 42-600 is expected to be delivered to Drukair in July 2019.

Drukair has been operating ATR 42s since 2011 and operates in challenging environments, serving small airports in the Himalayan Mountains. Certified last year, the ATR -600’s latest Standard 3 avionics includes RNP AR 0.3/0.3, which further enhances airfield accessibility and operational performance.

ATR predicts that regional aviation will require more than 600 40-60-seat turboprop aircraft over the next 20 years. The ATR 42-600 is currently the only 50-seater turboprop in production and a proven route opener. In 2017, ATR aircraft opened over 150 routes and 30% of the overall traffic growth over the next 20 years will be represented by routes that do not exist today.

Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair, said: “Purchasing another ATR was a natural decision. The improvements delivered by the -600 series’ new Standard 3 avionics, along with the ClearVision™ CVS system add significant operational and thus economic value. We also look forward to welcoming passengers into the most modern cabin in regional aviation and offering them the most comfortable in-flight experience possible.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Christian Scherer, remarked: “Drukair’s decision to purchase the latest version of our product not only validates the versatility and operational efficiency of our -600 series aircraft, but also affirms the value of our policy of continuous development. Offering valuable solutions which have a genuine and immediate impact on our customer’s business will always be a priority for us at ATR. We look forward to contributing to the famous “Gross National Happiness” of the people of Bhutan, long into the future.”

Photo: ATR.

Drukair orders one Airbus A320neo and one ATR 42-600

Drukair signed a purchase agreement with Airbus in Hamburg, Germany on April 11, 2018 for a new Airbus A320neo, configured to 20 Business and 120 Economy seats.