Rise Air takes delivery of Canada’s first ATR 72-600 aircraft
Rise Air, an Indigenous-owned airline providing essential services in Saskatchewan, has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600, becoming the launch customer for the latest-generation ATR -600 series in Canada. This delivery marks a key step in the company’s fleet renewal program and reinforces its commitment to year-round connectivity for remote communities.
A Strategic Agreement to Modernize the Fleet
The delivered aircraft is the first of a three-unit agreement signed in November 2024. As planned, two additional brand-new ATR 72-600s will join the fleet under a leasing arrangement in 2026. This investment is the largest in Rise Air’s 70-year history and positions the airline to operate the country’s most modern regional fleet.
Key Certification for the Canadian Market
The arrival of the ATR 72-600 comes shortly after Transport Canada certified the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 models on November 27, 2025. This approval for the first time enables Canadian operators to fly ATR -600 aircraft, paving the way to replace aging turboprops with modern, more comfortable planes.
Notable improvements include a cockpit with advanced digital instrumentation, designed to optimize flight paths and reduce pilot workload, as well as a wider fuselage and larger seats for passengers.
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Performance, Sustainability, and Operation in Demanding Environments
The ATR 72-600 is renowned for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and capability to operate in complex conditions, including short and unpaved runways. Rise Air’s aircraft is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engines, which help reduce maintenance costs and generate 45% less CO₂ emissions compared to similarly-sized regional jets, aligning with the airline’s sustainability goals.
Derek Nice, President and CEO of Rise Air, explained that introducing this model addresses the need to provide modern, safe, and reliable air transport to remote work sites and essential infrastructure projects vital to Saskatchewan’s economy. These operations drive employment and Gross Domestic Product growth across the province, with special emphasis on northern regions. With the ATR 72-600, the company aims to raise the standard of comfort and efficiency while maintaining and strengthening connectivity in some of Canada’s most challenging environments.
From the manufacturer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR, noted that the ATR 72-600 combines outstanding fuel efficiency with lower operating and maintenance costs, making it an ideal platform for low-density routes and for serving remote communities profitably. ATR highlighted the value of Rise Air leading the introduction of the -600 series in Canada, bringing sustainable and reliable connectivity to scenarios where modern technology makes a real difference.
ATR’s Established and Growing Presence in Canada
ATR maintains a strong and growing presence in the country, with over 60 aircraft operated by 10 airlines, representing a 50% increase since 2019. Nearly half of this fleet consists of full freighters, tasked with transporting goods like food, medicine, and fuel in adverse conditions. For decades, ATR aircraft have proven their performance on short and unpaved runways, in extreme cold climates with icing conditions, and at latitudes near the Arctic Circle.
A New Chapter for Regional Aviation
The introduction of the ATR 72-600 brings next-generation technology to a market where the average age of the 30- to 50-seat turboprop fleet exceeds 30 years. This context creates significant opportunities for fleet renewal and sector growth, positioning Rise Air as a key player in the evolution of Canadian regional aviation.
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