Spain’s Binter Signs Five-Year Global Maintenance Agreement With ATR

Spanish regional carrier Binter has sealed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with turboprop manufacturer ATR to provide support for the airline’s 26 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The Franco-Italian OEM signed the deal Oct. 16 with ATAVIS, the Binter entity in charge of technical procurement and supply chain management.

The GMA aims to offer a flexible, scalable solution for on- and off-aircraft maintenance.

This five-year agreement with Binter, based in the Canary Islands, covers a comprehensive repair loop service on a pay-by-hour (PBH) basis, and includes 180 part numbers. It follows “extended discussions to understand the airline’s challenges,” ATR said.

“By joining ATR’s GMA community, Binter will benefit from predictable maintenance costs aligned with aircraft usage, helping optimize cash flow and reduce operational risk,” the OEM added. “The airline will gain access to ATR’s extensive technical expertise and supplier network, which means best-in-class practices, enhanced reliability and improved efficiency of the airline’s operations across the Canary Islands.”  

Binter operates the ATR 72 on short-haul flights, including inter-island routes within the Canary Islands and the Portuguese island of Madeira, some 500 km (311 mi.) to the north, as well as international routes to airports along the African coast opposite the archipelago.

The company also operates 16 Embraer E195-E2s, which have been gradually joining its fleet since December 2019 to serve routes to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, as well as longer international sectors.  

“This partnership with ATR is a strategic step, allowing us to reinforce our commitment to operational excellence, while benefiting from the manufacturer’s deep technical expertise and proven support solutions,” Binter CTO Javier Bretón said.  

“Binter’s high technical and operational standards will challenge us to continuously improve and become an even stronger partner for all ATR operators,” ATR SVP of customer support and services Stefano Marazzani said.

The GMA is designed to support a range of business models, according to the OEM. For startups, it facilitates entry into service by limiting upfront investment and providing predictable maintenance costs. For all operators, it ensures long-term operational efficiency. By mutualizing resources and sharing technical expertise, ATR helps its customers de-risk operations, optimize fleet performance, and focus on delivering value to their passengers.