On the occasion of the Farnborough Airshow, the European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and Taiwan-based TransAsia Airways today announced the signature of a contract for 8 firm ATR 72-600s, plus an option for one additional ATR 72-600. The deal, including the option, is valued at over US$ 210 million. Deliveries of these new ATR -600s will start in 2014 and extend through 2017. With the purchase of these aircraft, TransAsia Airways will progressively replace their current fleet of 9 ATR 72-500s operating in their domestic network with the newest ATR -600 series aircraft developments.

These ATR 72-600s will be configured with 72 seats and will be equipped with a new full glass cockpit, developed for ATR by Thales, featuring state-of the art technologies in the field of navigation. The aircraft will also be equipped with Giugiaro-designed new ATR -600 series “Armonia” cabin.

This deal further consolidates the outstanding success of ATR in Asia, where it has booked some 240 orders since 2005, representing some 40% of total orders of this period.

Commenting on the deal, Vincent Lin, Chairman of TransAsia Airways underlined that “the ATRs perfectly match our short-haul operations. We have been operating ATRs for years and we know how they perfectly fulfill our aim of combining low operating costs, outstanding performance and highest standards of comfort. With the introduction of the new ATR 72-600s we will now be able to further increase our high level of service, while providing affordable fares for our travelers.”

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “TransAsia has been operating ATRs for more than 20 years, and we are honored that they decided to further expand our relationship with the introduction of the new ATR -600 series aircraft into their fleet. The airline and its passengers will benefit from the many advantages of the ATR 72-600, an aircraft that has become the new reference for regional operations in Asia and worldwide.”

ATR press release