ATR and Braathens Regional Airlines (Braathens) have renewed their global maintenance agreement (GMA) for a further five years. The renewed agreement reflects Braathens' continued confidence in ATR's expertise and its ability to deliver efficient, high-quality support solutions.
Under the extended GMA, the airline will benefit from a comprehensive suite of maintenance services, including access to a large pool of line replaceable units (LRUs), as well as repair and landing gear overhaul services. This agreement ensures that Braathens' ATR fleet remains in optimal condition, supporting the airline's operational reliability and cost-efficiency — key factors in today's highly competitive aviation environment.
Beyond technical support, ATR is also playing an active role in addressing the future pilot needs of Braathens. Through a collaborative training initiative, ATR is connecting flight school cadets with the airline, providing them with type rating courses at the ATR Training Centre. These cadets, once selected, will go on to join the airline as junior first officers. ATR Flight Instructors will also support their integration by delivering line training assistance, ensuring the airline maintains its high standards of safety and operational performance.
This renewed partnership comes as Braathens shifts its business strategy. Having moved away from scheduled and charter services, the Swedish operator now focuses exclusively on providing flight capacity to other airlines such as SAS and Austrian Airlines. In support of this strategic realignment, Braathens will expand its ATR fleet from 14 to 17 aircraft by the end of the year. Notably, one of the three additional ATR 72-600s will be delivered brand new from ATR's final assembly line.
