ATR signs Agreement with AEROMAR for 2 ATR 72-500s

ATR today announced the signature of a MoU with the Mexican carrier AEROMAR for the purchase of 2 ATR 72-500s. The total value of this agreement is over US $ 36 million.

With these 2 ATRs, powered with new, higher rated PW 127M engines developed for “Hot and High” operations, AEROMAR will add 2 new aircraft to its ATR 42 fleet and, for the first time, it will integrate 70 seat aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with the “Elegance” cabin and the “In-flight Entertainment” system as well as with state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools.

The state-of-the-art technology of the brand new 72–500s will allow AEROMAR to offer its passengers the highest quality service in terms of comfort, performance and low internal cabin noise and vibration. In addition to its unbeatable economics, the ATR 72 aircraft also has the lowest CO2 emissions of regional aircraft, which allows AEROMAR to develop its growth while also taking care of the environment.

Commenting on the deal, Ami Lindenberg, Executive Vice President of the airline, declared: “The growth and the success of our airline in Mexico goes hand in hand with our twenty-year partnership with ATR. AEROMAR’s current network is well-established and developed thanks in part to the performance of the ATR aircraft, which are able to land in all the regions of our country, including the smallest airports. This has contributed to the growth and strengthening of important economic and social ties across Mexico”. He added: “Now we have decided that it is time to face the challenge of expanding our ATR fleet with the larger capacity 72-500 in order to meet the increased demand on some dense routes and stimulate additional traffic”.

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, stated: “We are proud of the confidence AEROMAR has in the ATR family of aircraft during these many years. Thanks to AEROMAR ATR has a strong presence in a very important North American market of more than 100 million people.” Mayer underlined also that “with this deal ATR and AEROMAR are perpetuating their long and successful partnership. The recent improvements we have made to the ATR 72-500 performance allows this aircraft to operate effectively in the hot and high conditions of Mexico City, thus opening up the possibility for the airline to meet the market growth.”

Since the beginning of the year, ATR has received orders for 88 new aircraft, some of them not yet unveiled. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 925 aircraft (414 ATR 42s and 511 ATR 72s) and has delivered 746 (396 ATR 42s and 350 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 179 aircraft.

With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with jet-like comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR the “Green Player” of the regional market. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006.

Founded in 1987, AEROMAR, the executive airline of Mexico, generates more than 1,000 direct jobs and has a fleet of 16 ATR-42 aircraft for 48 passengers, which are ideal for short and medium hauls due to its comfort and safety features. Aeromar has more than 25 routes in Mexico offering attractive business and tourism packages. It has an average of 99% punctuality rate in both departures and arrivals. AEROMAR is the only airline with a dedicated private and modern terminal next to the new Terminal building (T2) of the Mexico City International Airport, allowing passengers to check-in only 40 minutes before departure time. It also offers its courier "FastPaq" packaging and cargo services as well as aircraft rental with VIP services.

Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. ATR forecasts revenues of around US$1 Billion in 2007, representing two successive years of 30% increase in turnover. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS. ATR is certified NF EN ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100 revision B:2004 / JIS Q 9100:2004 / EN 9100:2003, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics.

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