Turboprops To Be Flown By LCC Batavia Air

ATR and the Indonesian low cost carrier Batavia Air signed a contract last week for the acquisition of 10 new ATR 72-500s, and options for 10 additional aircraft. The contract is the first-ever signed by an Indonesian airline for new ATRs.

With its new fleet of ATRs, Batavia Air will start operating turboprops in order to optimize and expand their regional operations, currently served with Boeing and Airbus jets.

"After a deep evaluation, we have chosen to fly ATR turboprops in our regional network because of their reliability and unbeatable economics," said Pak Yudiawan, Batavia Air CEO. The high standards of comfort available on these aircraft, as well as the strong support activity of ATR in Asia were also key factors in our choice."

The new ATR aicraft will be configured with 74-seats, and will be equipped with the "Elegance" cabin, Light Emitting Diode (LED) cabin lighting, and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). In addition, one of the aircraft will be equipped with a Quick Change VIP Kit. A Medevac configuration will also improve access to health services for remote communities.

ATR CEO Stephane Mayer expressed "the satisfaction of bringing for the first time '-500 series' ATRs into the Indonesian market... It is an honour for us to add Batavia Air to our growing list of Asian operators and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with this dynamic and growing airline."

Deliveries of the new planes will extend until 2010.

FMI: www.batavia-air.co.id/English/index.php, www.atr.fr