Based at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), regional airline Silver Airways announces it wants to operate larger aircraft for connections between the US and the Caribbean.

Silver Airways currently operates the ATR 42-600 and added the ATR 72-600 in November 2019. These aircraft are suited to the airline’s market with its smaller runways in Bahamian islands. The airline flies to the remote parts of the Lucayan Archipelago in the Bahamas but looks to expand its network to additional Caribbean destinations.

The submitted application to the US Department of Transport (DOT) would allow Silver Airways to operate a larger version of the ATR 72-600 on upcoming flights to the Dominican Republic and Saint Martin, which it aims to launch in spring 2020. The airline focuses on underserved regional routes from its three hubs in Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa.

“This is an exciting time for Silver Airways and regional airline flying as we continue our fleet transformation and focus on providing the highest level of safe, reliable and customer-focused service,” commented Steve Rossum, CEO of Silver Airways. He stated that the addition of the ATR 72-600 was a “great milestone for Silver Airways, ATR, our customers, our airline partners, the communities we serve and our team members.” The larger version of this aircraft is aimed to extend the airline’s reach in the Southeast US and the Caribbean.

“We are proud to be part of Silver Airways’ ambitions and expansion plans,” said ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli. “After the start with the 42-600, we will now see the 72-600 operating in the US, introducing the most modern standards of regional aviation at the most competitive cost.”