ATR, the Airbus and Leonardo joint venture, has secured two orders for its ATR 72-600 regional turboprop airliner, the company revealed at the Dubai Airshow Sunday. Both come from operators in Europe, where regional connectivity remains a high priority.

That is particularly true in Spain’s Canary Islands, where Binter Canarias flies an extensive inter-island network, as well as provides external services. The carrier has been an ATR operator since 1990 and recently embarked on a fleet modernization plan that sees the latest ATR 72-600 version replacing the older -500 fleet. Binter’s order, announced November 14, for four firm and one optional ATR 72-600, allows for the completion of that replacement process.

“Ever since the first delivery, ATR aircraft had an immediate and enduring impact on our operations,” commented Rodolfo Núñez, the president of Binter Canarias. “The ATR 72-600 has become our flagship aircraft and with 23 of them in our fleet—upon the completion of these deliveries—it provides the backbone of air connectivity throughout the Canary Islands.”

Announced on the same day, Romania’s national flag carrier Tarom placed an order for three ATR 72-600s, which will bring its fleet up to seven aircraft. The acquisition continues a fleet modernization plan that began in 2019 and will see the airline upscale from the ATR 42-500, offering more seats and greater comfort thanks to the latest generation Armonia cabin interior.

“Having been an ATR pilot, I have witnessed first-hand the importance of the connectivity they provide. They are an essential link to communities all over Romania,” said Tarom CEO Catalin Prunariu. “As a CEO I also see the value of their efficiency and flexibility. We are sure that ATR is the right choice, now and for the future.”