Island Air retires last of ATR-72s
Island Air retired the last of its ATR-72 aircraft and now is flying all Q-400 Turboprops, the interisland airline announced Tuesday.
The last ATR-72 touched down at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu at 8:15 p.m. Monday, completing a flight from Lihue. Passengers were treated to special in-flight snacks and refreshments; raffles for future trips on Island Air were held on every ATR-72 flight Monday.
Island Air began its fleet conversion in January, with the acquisition of its first Q400 aircraft. Over the past eight months, the airline has been transitioning its five 64-seat ATR-72 aircraft out of service with new 78-seat Q400s.
Island Air’s current fleet features five Q400 aircraft that provide more than 400 flights each week between the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island. A sixth Q400 is expected to be added to the fleet later this year.
The total cost of the six aircraft will be about $188 million, a news release earlier this year said.
Island Air has been flying the ATR-72 for the last four years.
With a maximum cruise speed of 414 mph, the Q400s are 30 percent faster than conventional turboprops and burn 30 percent less fuel, Island Air said. The aircraft also is quieter for passengers and areas it flies over.






