ATR Reinforces Partnership with Braathens to Support Long Term Wet Leasing Activity

ATR and Braathens Regional Airlines (Braathens) successfully renewed their Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) for five years. The extension of this comprehensive support package reflects the continued trust that the Swedish operator places in ATR’s unmatched expertise in regional aviation services.

The GMA renewal ensures ongoing support for Braathens ATR fleet, including access to a large pool of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), repair and landing gears overhaul services. This decision underscores ATR’s proven track record in reliability, cost-efficiency, and responsiveness—factors that are vital to the operational success of airlines in today’s competitive landscape.  

Beyond maintenance services, ATR is also providing tailored training solutions for Braathens flight crews by connecting flight schools’ students with operators looking for motivated young pilots. After a thorough selection, the cadets are now entering a type rating course with the ATR Training Centre before joining Braathens as junior first officers. To support the cadets’ induction, ATR Flight Instructors will provide line training assistance. This collaboration will help Braathens fulfil its need for regional pilots while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.

This renewed partnership highlights the strategic role ATR plays not only as an aircraft manufacturer but also as a long-term partner in operational success. Braathens, which previously offered scheduled and charter services alongside wet leasing, has changed its corporate strategy to focus solely on providing flight capacity to other airlines, like SAS and Austrian Airlines, operating flights on their behalf.  

To support this strategic move, Braathens’ ATR fleet will also go from 14 aircraft to 17 by the end of the year, with one of the three ATR 72-600 to be delivered brand new from the ATR final assembly line.  

“In further strengthening our partnership with ATR, we are reaffirming our confidence in their ability to deliver the consistent, high-quality support our wet-lease operations require,” said Jimmie Bergqvist, deputy Chief Executive Officer of Braathens. “This agreement is not just about parts, logistics and training—it’s about a shared commitment to reliability, safety, and sustainability in regional air transport.”

Stefano Marazzani, ATR’s SVP Customer Support and Services, commented: “Our continued collaboration with Braathens is a testament to the strength of our support and services offering and the confidence our customers place in us. With personalised care, we are able to support our clients’ interests, tailoring our solutions to the needs of their operational environments and business models, beyond typical OEM offers and responsibilities. We are proud to support Braathens in providing essential connectivity for major airlines across Europe, complementing their capacity efficiently and sustainably. We will continue standing by their side, through successes and challenges.”  

This collaboration follows a long history between ATR and Braathens, including the successful first ever 100% SAF-powered test flight on a commercial aircraft in June 2022.  

The reinforcement of our partnership is yet another token of ATR’s willingness to build mutually beneficial relationships with its customers, broadening the spectrum of what a manufacturer can provide to an airline, and inventing together a sustainable way of thinking regional connections.