Toulouse, 23 November 2004
ATR celebrated the delivery of the 300th ATR 72 manufactured on November 23, 2004. This 66-seat aircraft was delivered to Air New Zealand and increases the New Zealand airline’s total ATR fleet to 11 ATR 72-500s.
Air New Zealand regional subsidiary Mount Cook Airlines based in Christchurch will operate the aircraft to increase its network flights to 600 per week from 550.
“This new ATR will replace some services currently operated by the Saab 340A and will effectively double the seats available on those particular services. We are very satisfied with the operation of the ATR aircraft in terms of comfort, low fuel consumption and environmental qualities. The ATR aircraft is particularly well adapted to our needs.” said Peter O’Regan, General Manager of Mount Cook Airlines.
Air New Zealand operates services from the UK, North America, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands to New Zealand as well as domestic jet services. Provincial services are operated by its subsidiaries – Mount Cook Airlines, Air Nelson and Eagle Airways.
Air New Zealand is full member of Star Alliance, which has a membership of 19 airlines in the world. Star Alliance currently operates a total of 79 ATR aircraft.
Air New Zealand first introduced ATR 72s on its domestic network in 1995 and then in 1999 renewed and expanded the fleet with the new generation ATR 72-500.
ATR is the leader in the regional turboprop fleet in the Asia Pacific region in the 50-70 seat segment with 114 aircraft ordered and operated by 20 airlines, representing 18% of the ATR market.
With more than 670 airports served by turboprops, this area represents a huge potential of development for turboprop operation. ATR family aircraft are the best answer to match the specific requirements of this market, where 66% of the flights are on routes less than 400 Nm.
ATR has sold 688 aircraft (381 ATR 42 and 307 ATR 72) since the beginning of the programme.
The ATR 72 is directly derived from the ATR 42 with a fuselage stretched by 4.5 m, an enlarged outer wing made of carbon fiber, and a high degree of commonality with its smaller brother.
The launch of the ATR 72 took place on January 1986 less than four years after the ATR 42. Certified in September 1989, the first ATR 72 was delivered to the Finish airline Finnair in October 1989.
At the end of July 1997, the first new generation ATR 72-500 aircraft was delivered to the launch customer American Eagle.
The versatility of ATR aircraft has been put to good use with the development of several specialised versions. In July 2002, the ATR 72 full freighter version was presented at Farnborough Airshow equipped with the Large Cargo Door (LCD) which allows the accommodation of standard ULDs such as LD3 containers or 88” x 108” pallets.
ATR has sold 307 ATR 72s (187 ATR 72-200/210 and 120 ATR 72-500) to 49 customers since its inception.
The ATR 72-500 is the latest development of the ATR 72 with a proven average dispatch reliability of more than 99%.
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 with a 68-seat standard capacity. The ATR 72-500 has the lowest seat mile costs in its category, recognized as a benchmark for the regional market. The increased power and aerodynamic refinements provide excellent take-off and landing performance.
ATR aircraft are labelled the most fuel efficient in their category. On a 200 Nm sector, the ATR 72 fuel consumption per passenger is 60% lower than that of a typical 70-seater jet.
All ATR models are compliant with existing noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to future Chapter IV noise regulations. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low outside noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly.
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) is the world leader in the 50 to 70-seat turboprop market. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica Group) and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company).
Contact:
| Frédéric Lahache |
Tel.: 33 5 62 21 60 61 Fax: 33 5 62 21 68 00 www.atraircraft.com mailto: frederic.lahache@atr.fr |
