Why is Caribbean Airlines selling two ATR 72-600 turboprops?

Caribbean Airlines has announced the disposal of two of its owned ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft.

This move is part of a broader effort to cut costs and execute the airline's Caribbean Airlines fleet optimization strategy. Chairman Reyna Kowlessar confirmed the sale but stressed that there are "absolutely no job cuts" planned for the workforce. The airline's staff are reportedly included in consultations across various departments.

Key Aircraft Disposal Details

The two aircraft listed for sale are 14-year-old ATR 72-600 models, registered as 9Y-TTB and 9Y-TTC. A disposal notice dated January 8 confirmed the sale on an "as is, where is" basis. Bids for the aircraft are due by February 6. The planned disposal date for 9Y-TTC is March 1, while 9Y-TTB is scheduled for October 1.

These turboprops were part of a 2011 order intended to replace the airline’s older Dash 8 fleet. Caribbean Airlines ultimately took delivery of five aircraft, paying approximately US$18.9 million for each unit. The decision to purchase the aircraft outright, rather than leasing them, drew criticism at the time for significantly draining the airline's cash reserves.

Financial Drivers: High Maintenance Costs

The primary driver for the regional aviation cost reduction is the high operating expense of the owned aircraft. While the ATRs are known for being fuel-efficient, they incur high utilization maintenance costs.

Heavy utilization, particularly on the busy airbridge routes, drives up the expense. The estimated maintenance cost is between US$600 and US$800 per flight hour. The sale of these older, owned assets will help the airline realize capital and reduce long-term maintenance liabilities.

Pre-owned ATR 72-600 aircraft typically have an average market price between US$14 million and US$17.85 million, depending on various factors. This market data provides context for the potential value of the sale.

Fleet Strategy and Caribbean Regional Connectivity

This ATR 72-600 disposal aligns with the airline's 2023–2027 strategic plan. As of 2026, Caribbean Airlines operates a total of ten ATRs. Five of these aircraft are newer units that were added to the fleet through leasing arrangements.

The sale of the two owned turboprops allows the airline to streamline its fleet. It shifts the balance toward a more flexible mix of owned vs leased aircraft. This strategy supports the airline's mandate to enhance Caribbean regional connectivity while prioritizing financial sustainability. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and holds an FAA repair station certification. The focus remains on delivering a positive operational margin, a key pillar of the strategic plan.

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