Air Tahiti Orders its 25th ATR aircraft

On the occasion of the Singapore Airshow, ATR and Air Tahiti announced today the purchase of an ATR 72-500, valued at over US $ 18 million. With the acquisition of this aircraft, the French Polynesian operator is reaching its 25th new ATR ordered since 1986. The airline currently operates 4 ATR 42-500s and 5 ATR 72-500s. Three additional ATR 72-500s currently on order, including the aircraft announced today, are to be delivered in 2008 and 2009.  

This 66-seat aircraft will be equipped with 120-minutes ETOPS (Extended Range Twin-engine Operations) capability, the “Elegance” cabin, higher rated PW 127M engines, as well as state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools.

Thanks to the ETOPS 120 capability of the ‘-500 series’, an exclusive feature in the regional aviation, Air Tahiti is able to operate its ATR fleet over an islands network as vast as Europe. ATR aircraft are thus paramount to the development of Air Tahiti’s network, and offer essential air transport services across French Polynesia. The airline counts today one of the largest and youngest fleet of ATR aircraft in the Pacific zone.

Commenting on the deal Mate Galenon, Chief Executive of Air Tahiti, stated: “To offer our passengers a modern, young and updated fleet of ATRs is for us a major asset. With the acquisition of this ATR 72-500, we are confirming the increasing capacity of our ATR fleet, and the ability to face the increasing demand on our routes”. And added: “There have been important enhancements and developments of several runways in French Polynesia. We are delighted to be able to bring our ATR 72s to more places, like soon the Marquises second biggest island Hiva Oa, that up until now could only be reached with smaller ATR 42s”.

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, declared: “Air Tahiti represents for us the success of a long, continued and fruitful partnership. And it is an honor to contribute to their growth providing them with an aircraft perfectly adapted to their requirements. We are pleased also to play a role in the environmental care of Polynesia, with aircraft typically burning twice less fuel than a recent regional jet”. And concluded: “We are honored also by the strong confidence that Air Tahiti has shown in the evolution of our family of aircraft for more than 20 years”.

ATR reached in 2007 a record year with orders for 113 new aircraft. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 953 aircraft (417 ATR 42s and 536 ATR 72s) and has delivered 757 (397 ATR 42s and 360 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 196 aircraft.

With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with jet-like comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR the “Green Player” of the regional market. 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.

With an annual traffic of 860,000 passengers, Papeete-based Air Tahiti is the principal domestic airline of the French Polynesia.

Since 1980, air traffic in the Polynesian archipelago has been increasing at an annual average from 7 to 10% as a result of hotel development on the islands as well as a boost in the local economy. The airline’s network includes 47 islands scattered over the full dimension of French Polynesia.

Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. In 2007 ATR posted a turnover of 1.1 US$ billion, an increase of 57% compared to 2006. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS. ATR is certified NF EN ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100 revision B:2004 / JIS Q 9100:2004 / EN 9100:2003, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics.

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