Airlinair Orders its First New ATR 72-500  

France-based AIRLINAIR and ATR have today announced a transaction for one new ATR 72-500. The contract, valuated at over US $ 17 million, has been inked in Paris between Lionel Guerin, AIRLINAIR CEO and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO.

AIRLINAIR is the largest European ATR operator and is a key supplier of regional operations for Air France. Its current fleet is entirely composed of ATRs (7 ATR 42-300s, 11 ATR 42-500s, 4 ATR 72-200s, 1 ATR 72-210 and 1 ATR 72-500). This new ATR 72-500 is the first new ATR aircraft acquired by AIRLINAIR and will be delivered in 2009. The aircraft will be equipped with the new “Elegance Cabin” and with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools. This new aircraft will allow the airline to continue its fleet upgrade renewal towards the newest generation ATR 42/72-500 aircraft.

Commenting on this contract, Filippo Bagnato, declared: “We are delighted to have signed this contract that confirms and reinforces our partnership with AIRLINAIR, who have chosen to build their future fleet around the -500 generation aircraft. A recognition of the quality of the economics, the environment friendliness and the comfort of these aircraft”.

Lionel Guérin, stated: “Our choice to develop our fleet exclusively with ATR aircraft has proven to be the right one. As we consolidate our ATR fleet around the new generation ATRs, we will strengthen our commitment and provide the highest level of service to our customers and to the regional airports. The ATR is also a good choice for the environment. Over a year, a fleet of 25 ATRs burns 21,000 tons of fuel less than an equivalent-sized fleet of jets. It also rejects 63,000 tons of CO2 less to the atmosphere”.

Since January 2005, ATR has booked orders for a total of 148 new aircraft worldwide, thus confirming the recovery of the turboprop market and the success of its products.

ATR has sold 836 new aircraft (401 ATR 42 and 435 ATR 72) since the beginning of the programme.

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 environment friendly. 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.

France-based regional airline AIRLINAIR is the European leader in regional market with ATR aircraft. AIRLINAIR is the regional ATR-specialized partner of Air France, as well as of its subsidiaries Britair and Regional. AIRLINAIR participates to the regional development. Relating to the customers service, AIRLINAIR is certified JAR-OPS1, Part M Subpart G, Part 145.

Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. 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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