CSA Czech Airlines orders 7 ATR 42-500 aircraft
Toulouse, le 18 décembre 2003
Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) and the Czech flag carrier Czech Airlines (CSA) have announced today an order for seven new ATR 42-500s. These will be the first aircraft of the –500 generation operated by the airline.
With this order, CSA will renew and increase its existing fleet of 4 ATR 72s and 5 ATR 42s, bringing it to a total of 12 ATRs by the end of 2005.
Jaroslav Tvrdik, President and Chairman of CSA, declares: “The ATR 42-500s will offer in the same time the best operating costs among aircraft of its category and jet-like comfort to our passengers. While also allowing for more capacity and reduced flight times, the ATR 42-500s are the ideal tool to fulfil our plan of developing Prague into the main Central European hub, as CSA prepares to open a range of new destinations ahead of Czech Republic entry in the European Union in 2004.”
CSA will take delivery of three aircraft between March and July 2004, and four aircraft in 2005.
Jean-Michel Léonard, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, is “proud of this new proof of confidence by CSA, member of SkyTeam. With this order, CSA takes another step forward and I’m certain these ATR 42-500s will procure them even more satisfaction.”
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has delivered 661 aircraft (372 ATR 42 and 289 ATR 72).
CSA is full member of SkyTeam, comprising Air France, Alitalia, Delta Airlines, Aeromexico and Korean Air. Its fleet is composed of 3 A310s, 23 B737s and 9 ATRs.
SkyTeam currently operates a total of 60 ATRs.
ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) and is the world leader in the 50 to 70 seat turboprop market.
ATR website: www.atraircraft.com
Picture: http://www.atraircraft.com/mediac/customersgallery/photoC.htm
ATR Contact:
Frédéric Lahache
Tél : 33 5 62 21 60 61
Fax : 33 5 62 21 68 00
E-mail : frederic.lahache@atr.fr
