Swiftair Currently Flies 16 ATR-72s

ATR and Madrid-based Swiftair announced this week the signing of a contract for three new ATR 72-500s for a total value of about US $55 million. The airline, which currently operates 16 ATR aircraft, is now adding to its fleet for the first time the new -500 series ATR aircraft. Swiftair plans to operate 30 ATRs in 2010.

These three aircraft, configured with 68 seats, will be delivered in December 2007 and by mid 2008, and will be equipped with the new "Elegance Cabin," LED cabin lighting and with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools.

Swiftair is one of the largest ATR operators in Europe, and decided to acquire 3 new ATR 72-500 in order to expand its fleet and cope with the increasing demand of charter contracts.

"In a short period of time, Swiftair has undergone an impressive expansion of its operations across Europe and the Middle East and to meet this challenge has had a steady growth of its fleet of ATR aircraft," said ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato. "It is an honor for us to contribute to such development because Swiftair has become a European reference in the cargo and charter market. Today's contract for 3 new aircraft adds a new milestone to this successful partnership. It reinforces the confidence of the airline in ATR, as well as allows the introduction of the latest technological developments and standards of comfort."

Swiftair CEO Salvador Moreno added, "We launched our first ATR aircraft 4 years ago and we have regularly increased our fleet with ATRs because the aircraft has proven itself to be effective in both our cargo and passenger operations. Our confidence in the ATR family is now going one step forward with the acquisition of new generation ATRs, whose performance will allow us to grow our fleet with aircraft that have the lowest operating costs and the highest standards of passenger comfort."

FMI: www.atraircraft.com, www.swiftair.com