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Rise Air, the Indigenous-owned airline providing essential services across Saskatchewan, has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the latest generation ATR -600 series in Canada. This aircraft is the first from a three-aircraft agreement signed in November 2024, with two additional brand-new ATR 72-600s to join the fleet under lease in 2026. This delivery marks a major step in Rise Air’s fleet renewal programme and reinforces its commitment to enhancing year-round connectivity for remote communities. 

The arrival of the ATR 72-600 comes right after Transport Canada certified the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 on 27 November 2025, enabling Canadian operators to fly ATR -600 aircraft for the first time. This milestone paves the way for Canadian regional airlines to replace ageing turboprops with modern, comfortable ATR aircraft featuring an advanced glass cockpit that optimises flight trajectories and reduces pilot workload, larger cabins and wider seats.  

The ATR 72-600 is renowned for its exceptional fuel efficiency, reliability, and ability to operate in challenging environments, including short and unpaved runways. Rise Air’s aircraft is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PW127XT engines, delivering lower maintenance costs and 45% less CO₂ emissions compared to similar-sized regional jets, supporting the carrier’s sustainability goals. 

Derek Nice, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rise Air, said: “Introducing the ATR 72-600 is about delivering modern, safe, and reliable air transportation to remote work sites and infrastructure projects that are vital to Saskatchewan’s economy. These operations support employment and GDP growth across the province, particularly in the north. With this aircraft, we can provide our customers with a higher level of comfort and efficiency while continuing to strengthen connectivity in some of Canada’s most challenging environments.” 

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, commented: “The ATR 72-600 combines exceptional fuel efficiency with lower operating and maintenance costs, making it the ideal aircraft to operate thin routes profitably and serve the most remote communities.  We’re honoured to see Rise Air pioneer the introduction of the ATR –600 series in Canada, and bring sustainable, reliable, and profitable connectivity to Canada’s most demanding environments, where modern technology truly makes a difference.” 

Rise Air’s investment is the largest in its 70-year history and positions the airline to operate the most modern regional aircraft fleet in the country.  

ATR has a strong and growing presence in Canada, with more than 60 aircraft operated by 10 airlines across the country, which marks a 50% increase since 2019. Nearly half of the ATR fleet in Canada consists of full freighters, delivering goods ranging from groceries and medicines to fuel in harsh conditions. ATR aircraft have been operating successfully for decades on short and unpaved runways, in extreme cold and icing conditions, and at latitudes close to the Arctic Circle.  

The arrival of the ATR 72-600 marks a new chapter, introducing the latest generation technology to a market where the average age of the 30-to-50-seat turboprop fleet is over 30 years, creating significant opportunities for renewal and growth.