Brazil’s Azul Signs Contract for 10 More ATR 72-600s

Brazil’s Azul Linhas Aéreas has signed a contract for the purchase of 10 additional ATR 72-600 aircraft, valued at some 227 US$ million.

The deal is the conversion into firm orders of 10 of the 20 options inked in the contract that both companies announced at Farnborough Airshow last year.

This conversion brings to 30 the total fleet of ATR 72-600s to be operated by the carrier. Deliveries of the first ATR -600 series aircraft of Azul Linhas Aéreas are scheduled in October 2011.

These additional aircraft will also be equipped with the newest technological developments: new avionics suite with latest generation glass cockpit, redesigned and stylish cabin interiors and enhanced engine performance and payload.

There are currently some 50 ATRs in operation in Brazil, and some 120 in the whole Latin America. This continent represents around 20% of the current ATR’s backlog.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said, “The success of Azul Linhas Aereas is also contributing to consolidate our strong presence in Brazil and in the whole region. ATRs are becoming real popular aircraft in Brazil, one of the most dynamic markets around the world. We are convinced there is a potential to double, in the short term, the total ATR aircraft fleet operating in the country.”

 ATR 72-600

Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 899 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

The Paris Air Show is being held this week at Le Bourget near the French capital, Paris.

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