ATR signs a contract with TransAsia Airways

ATR and the Taiwan’s TransAsia Airways have signed today a contract for 2 new ATR 72-500 aircraft plus one option.

The contract has been signed in the ATR Headquarters in the presence of H. H. Sun, TransAsia Airways president, Billy K. C. Chang, Director General of Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), Taiwan, Republic of China, and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO.

With that signature of contract, which is valued at $ 53,7 million including the option, TransAsia Airways will add two new aircraft to its actual fleet of 10 ATR (3 ATR 72-200 and 7 ATR 72-500). These two new ATR 72-500 aircraft will be delivered in 2007 in a 72-seat configuration and will be equipped with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools.

Commenting on the announcement, H.H. Sun, TransAsia Airways president, stated: “We are pleased to further modernize our fleet by purchasing two more new ATR 72 aircraft which we have been operating for fifteen years for the satisfaction of the passengers.” He added, “The modern ATR 72 fleet will empower us a great niche in cost when rendering better services within Taiwan”.

Billy K. C. Chang, Director General of CAA, Taiwan, said: “TransAsia Airways is the only airline in Taiwan that are employing all European made aircraft, ATR 72 and Airbus A320/321. We are glad to see our airline keep in line with the modern and leading aviation technology and products from EADS.”

Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO, said: “I am delighted to have signed this contract which is the demonstration of a long-standing confidence from TransAsia Airways. We continue strengthening our presence in such an important market”.

Since the beginning of the program, ATR has sold 808 aircraft (399 ATR 42s and 409 ATR 72s) and delivered 696 aircraft (384 ATR 42s and 312 ATR 72s).

Since first of January 2005, ATR has received orders for 137 new aircraft, some of which have not yet been announced

The ATR 72-500 is the latest development of the ATR 72 with a proven average dispatch reliability of more than 99.6%. This version shares the same power-plant, six-bladed propellers, the same interior design and soundproofing techniques of the ATR 42-500, thus offering the same excellent comfort and passenger appeal. Its standard capacity is of 68 seats. The ATR 72-500 has the lowest seat mile costs, recognised as a benchmark for the regional market. The increased power and aerodynamic refinements provide excellent take-off and landing performance. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) was increased by 300 kg, from 22,500 to 22,800 kg, end of 2004.

All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low outside noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR aircraft environment friendly.

TransAsia Airways, Taiwan’s based airline, was created in 1951 and is a major regional airline that provides primarily short-haul domestic and Asia’s regional point-to-point services. TransAsia Airways took delivery of its first ATR 72-200 aircraft in 1991. It is the only airline in Taiwan to fly only with European aircraft including Airbus A320/321 fleet.

Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 70-seat turboprop market. In 2005, ATR posted a turnover of $542 million, an increase of 15% compared to 2004. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS. ATR is certified ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q 9001:2000 and EN/AS/JISQ 9100, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics.

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