Brazilian Carrier TRIP Linhas Aéreas Will Operate The Aircraft

European turboprop manufacturer ATR has delivered the first ATR 72-600 to U.S.-based lessor, Air Lease Corporation (ALC). Founded by Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ALC has agreed in 2010 and 2011 to purchase 12 ATR 72-600s, with options for 8 more of the airplanes. Thursday's delivery of the first aircraft to ALC comes during a year when ATR has booked a record number of orders for its turboprop aircraft.

Brazil’s TRIP Linhas Aéreas, one of the leading carriers in South American regional aviation, will operate this and the next five ATR 72-600s delivered to ALC. This will enable the expansion of its domestic network to new destinations, as well as adding capacity and more frequent routes in growing markets.

“We are pleased to take delivery of our very first ATR 72-600 aircraft and lease it to Trip Linhas Aéreas” said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALC. “The ATR 72-600 is one of the most technologically advanced turboprop aircraft in the industry and will help to lower operating costs and maximize efficiency for the airline.”

“We began this partnership with Air Lease Corporation more than a year ago and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition with today’s delivery of their first ATR 72-600,” said ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato.  “Air Lease is a very well-respected leasing company and we are honored to fulfill a need with our 600 series which provides a good investment for the lessor, cost-savings to the airlines, and comfortable in-flight experience for their passengers. We are also pleased to contribute to the expansion of TRIP in Brazil’s very dynamic regional market”.

During the July 2010 Farnborough International Air Show, ALC became the first U.S. lessor to purchase new ATRs with its order for 10 new ATR 72-600s, along with options for an additional 10. ALC converted 2 of the options into firm orders in September 2011.

FMI: www.atraircraft.com, www.airleasecorp.com