15 Additional ATR Aircraft for Kingfisher Airlines
Toulouse, 19 February 2006
Kingfisher Airlines, which placed a firm order for 20 new ATR 72-500s and 15 options in November 2005, today announced conversion of the 15 ATR 72-500 options to a firm order plus an additional 20 options.
The value of the contract, excluding options, is around $270 million list price.
The additional aircraft are scheduled to be delivered from 2007 onwards.
Equipped with the “Elegance” cabin, the ATR 72-500 aircraft will also be fitted with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools, and IFE (in-flight entertainment).
These ATR 72-500s will be used as feeder aircraft on smaller domestic routes to link Kingfisher Airlines’ four hubs that are Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Bangalore.
“Our experience of opening up new routes with Airbus aircraft gives us the confidence that there is a huge latent potential to connect even smaller Indian cities where a lot of wealth resides”, said Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and Managing Director of Kingfisher Airlines. “These smaller cities also do not suffer from the infrastructural constraints at metro airports. We see an attractive opportunity to also provide feeder services for our Airbus network. In these days of high fuel prices the ATR72-500 is ideal for us to exploit these opportunities in the most economical manner.”
“I am delighted with this new mark of confidence from Kingfisher Airlines“, said Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “This order confirms once again the suitability of ATR aircraft in the Indian regional aviation sector and will also further reinforce our leadership in India. With the ATR 72-500, Kingfisher Airlines will operate state-of-the-art aircraft which combine both jet-like comfort with unmatched operating economics.”
In the Asia Pacific area, 112 ATRs are currently operated by 24 airlines.
ATR, which has sold 793 aircraft (398 ATR 42 and 395 ATR 72) since the beginning of the program, registered 90 firm orders for new aircraft and 26 options in 2005. The Indian market represented an important part of these record sales.
Filippo Bagnato also commented: ”This commercial success is evidence of the strong revival of the turboprop aircraft in the regional aviation market.”
ATR currently holds a market share in India of 75% in the 50 to 70-seat regional market and of the turboprop sector the market share is 95%.
The ATR 72-500: New Generation aircraft
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 environment friendly.
About Kingfisher Airlines
Kingfisher Airlines is India's first and only private airline to commence operations with a brand new fleet of aircraft. Kingfisher Airlines offers Full Service at True Value and promises an unparalleled experience to the Indian air traveller. For the first time in the Indian skies, Kingfisher Airlines offers world-class in-flight entertainment with personal video screens for every seat. There’s a wide selection of 5 video channels and 10 audio channels available on-board. Also on offer are extra-wide seats and spacious leg room, delicious gourmet meals, international-class cabin crew and a whole host of comforts and delights.
Kingfisher Airlines also facilitates doorstep delivery of tickets on guest request.
Fly the Good Times with Kingfisher Airlines. For more information on Kingfisher Airlines log on to www.flykingfisher.com
About ATR
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.
Contact
| Frédéric Lahache | ATR |
Tel.: +33 5 62 21 60 61 mailto: frederic.lahache@atr.fr |
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