Myanmar's Air KBZ Takes Delivery of its First ATR 72-600

Myanmar's domestic carrier Air KBZ, has taken delivery of its first first ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The Danish finance and leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) is providing financing for the transaction.

NAC has also entered into an agreement with Air KBZ for a second ATR 72-600 aircraft to be delivered in June this year.

Air KBZ already operates four ATR 72-500s in Myanmar and is keen to further develop its regional network, adding new routes and frequencies to its domestic and regional markets.

These new generation ATRs can hold 68 passengers in the Armonia cabin which offers slim seats with improved life space, LED mood lighting and wider overhead bins.

“We are pleased to welcome the new ATR 72-600 to our already existing young fleet in line with our continued mission to develop and provide superior air transport services that will exceed customer expectations. The ATR -600 series aircraft's superior operating economics and low fuel consumption, advanced engineering design, low emissions levels and excellent passenger comfort ideally meet our requirement for 70-seat aircraft. The acquisition of these 2 new aircraft via Nordic Aviation Capital is integral to our network expansion from our regional hubs,” said Air KBZ Deputy Managing Director, Mr Khin Maung Myint.

Mats Ericson, NAC Head of Sales for Asia, added, “We are delighted to open a new market in Myanmar and to be part of the growth of Air KBZ's regional network. Myanmar is new emerging market which is quickly becoming an important business center in the South East Asian region and we believe Air KBZ is perfectly placed there. The level of cooperation we have achieved with the airline has been excellent from the outset and we look forward to doing more business together in the future. We are proud to add the Air KBZ name to our long list of satisfied customers.”

Launched in 2010, Air KBZ is a privately owned Myanmar airline, which launched domestic scheduled services from Yangon, Myanmar on 2 April 2011.

The carrier received its first ATR 72-500 aircraft on lease from Nordic Aviation Capital on 28 February 2011 and has now four ATR 72s in service. These aircraft serve over a dozen domestic destinations, as well as selected international routes.

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: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

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