Rise Air, the Indigenous-owned airline providing essential air 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. The aircraft is the first of three ATR 72-600s agreed under a deal signed in November 2024, with two additional brand-new aircraft scheduled to join the fleet on lease in 2026.
The delivery represents a significant milestone in Rise Air’s fleet renewal programme and reinforces the airline’s commitment to improving year-round connectivity for remote and underserved communities. It also coincides with a major regulatory development, following Transport Canada’s certification of the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 on November 27, 2025. This certification enables Canadian operators to introduce ATR -600 aircraft into service for the first time.
The approval opens the door for regional airlines across Canada to replace ageing turboprop fleets with modern ATR aircraft, offering improved comfort and operational performance. The ATR -600 series feature an advanced glass cockpit that optimises flight trajectories and reduces pilot workload, alongside larger cabins and wider seats that enhance the passenger experience.
The ATR 72-600 is widely recognised for its fuel efficiency, reliability and ability to operate in demanding conditions, including short and unpaved runways. Rise Air’s aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PW127XT engines, which deliver lower maintenance costs and up to 45 per cent lower CO₂ emissions compared with similarly sized regional jets. The addition supports Rise Air’s sustainability objectives while ensuring dependable operations in challenging regional environments.
