Will Operate The Third-Largest ATR Fleet Worldwide

National flag carrier Air New Zealand and the European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR have signed a contract for the purchase of 15 additional ATR 72-600s. The deal is valued at some $375 million.

The airline, which ordered seven ATR 72-600s in 2011, had already exercised all of its five options as well as converted two purchase rights into firm orders. With the arrival of all the firm aircraft, Air New Zealand will operate, by 2020, a total of 29 ATR 72-600s, the third largest fleet of ATR aircraft worldwide.

Air New Zealand’s ATR ‘-600’ fleet will progressively replace the ATR ‘-500s’, while strengthening the airline’s network and services across the country.

The 15 firm new ATR ‘-600s’ will be configured with 68 seats and feature the latest standards of passenger comfort, namely the larger overhead bins and the comfortable and lightweight seats of the new ATR ‘Armonia’ cabin. The ATR ‘-600s’ have been succeeding for years in the Asia-Pacific region, where they have become the reference in terms of eco-efficiency and operational flexibility.

“We have been successfully operating ATR aircraft for more than 20 years, and we are pleased to further expand our partnership by introducing additional new generation ATRs to our fleet," said Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer. "We have operated ATR ‘-600s’ since 2012 and we are very satisfied with the aircraft, both in terms of the customer experience and operational efficiency, which contributed to achieve our sustainability targets. The new ATR ‘-600s’ also ensure we continue to deliver a world class experience to our regional customers”

“The ATR aircraft, and particularly the new ‘-600s’, optimally fit the requirements of the airline in terms of low operating costs, passenger appeal and flexibility," said Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer.

(Image provided with ATR news release)

FMI: www.atraircraft.com