Air Algerie, one of the biggest North African operators, today signed a purchase agreement for 3 new ATR 72-600s. The contract value is $74.1 million at current list price. The entry into service is expected from end 2014 through 2015. When delivered, the 68 seat new-comers will join an existing ATR fleet at the airline that currently includes 12 ATR 72-500s flying primarily on domestic and short regional routes. The new order will take Air Algerie's ATR fleet to 15 ATR 72s consolidating its position of the largest ATR operator on the African continent.
The contract was firmed up at a special ceremony in Algiers by Mohamed Salah Boultif, Chief Executive Officer of Air Algerie, and witnessed by Dr. Amar Ghoul, Algeria's Minister of Transport and other prominent government officials.
The arrival of the new aircraft is part of the airline's recent successful fleet renewal initiatives providing the extra capacity to its existing regional and international air network on the way to a major expansion.
Commenting on the deal Mr Boultif said: “We plan to operate the ATR 72-600 to its maximum potential – an aircraft that offers high level of operational efficiency and product competitiveness, while allowing Air Algerie to develop new business opportunities. In addition to improving profitability with advanced aircraft, we always aim to deliver unparalleled services to customers with the latest cabin and steady expansion of our route network.”
"Air Algerie is well known as one of the most reliable airlines in the region providing its passengers with an excellent flight experience.” said Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. "We are honored to see a leading North African airline start a new chapter with our latest series airplanes. These aircraft offer high economic efficiency, optimum performance and exceptional passenger comfort. This highlights a long-lasting and flourishing partnership between Air Algerie and ATR.”
The technologically advanced ATR 72-600 is one of the most efficient regional aircraft in operation today in terms of fuel burn and operating costs per passenger. Air Algerie's latest order is further evidence of the demand from airlines worldwide that face important challenges for fleet expansion and modernization. ATR's -600 has a solid backlog with more than 200 aircraft with almost 35 operators around the world.
About the ATR 72-600:
Passenger capacity: 68 to 74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum takeoff power: 2,750 horsepower per engine
Maximum takeoff weight: 23,000 kg
Maximum load: 7,500 kg
Maximum flight range when fully loaded: 900 nautical miles (1,665 km)
About Air Algerie:
Air Algerie is the Algerian national airline with 50 years of history. Air Algerie has fleet of 42 aircraft serving five continents, serving more than 40 international and 32 domestic destinations. With its long airline experience resolutely turned towards modernity, Air Algerie enjoys a strong competitive position in the market as a fruit of company's solid development strategy focused on the satisfaction of its customers. For more information, log on http://www.airalgerie.dz
About ATR:
Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1 300 aircraft. ATR planes are represented in the fleets of 180 operators in 90 countries ATR planes have totaled over 21 million flight hours. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and the Airbus Group. Its head office is in Toulouse. ATR is ISO 14001 certified.
For additional information, log on to www.atraircraft.com.
