ATR's Presence In Russia And The CIS Countries Growing

The Russian carrier UTair and regional turboprop manufacturer ATR announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-500s. The announcement of the deal, valued at US $ 426 million, took place in Kiev on Thursday.

With the entry into service of these new aircraft, UTair will respond to the increasing market demand for regional connectivity in Russia and also in Ukraine. The airline will add seat capacity on existing routes and will develop new routes in both countries. UTair operates a fleet of 17 ATRs: 12 ATR 42-300s and 3 ATR 72-200s in Russia, plus 2 ATR 42-300s operated by its subsidiary UTair Ukraine. With the delivery of the new 20 ATR 72-500s, UTair will become the largest operator of ATR aircraft in Europe, with 37 ATRs.

The delivery of these new aircraft will bring to more than 50 the number of ATRs operated by Russian, Ukrainian and other CIS countries' carriers.

"We are pleased to modernize and almost double our ATR fleet with the acquisition of these new ATR 72-500s," said Andrey Martirosov, UTair Chief Executive Officer. "The ATR aircraft have proven themselves as the right tool for regional connections in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. These aircraft have notably proven their ability to operate reliably and profitably not only in the European environment but in the harsh Siberian conditions."

"We are honored by the confidence placed in our products by UTair, the biggest Russian domestic carrier," said Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. "The Russian Federation and the CIS countries are providing us strong commercial opportunities as they expand their regional connectivity. Our aircraft are optimally positioned to face the increasing pressure on airlines' costs. The introduction of these new ATR 72-500s consolidate our leading position amongst Western regional aircraft manufacturers in Russia and the CIS countries."

FMI: www.atraircraft.com