US-based aircraft lessor Air Lease Corporation has ordered 10 new ATR 72-600 regional turboprop aircraft, and placed options for a further 10. The aircraft are planned for delivery starting in the fourth quarter of 2011. 

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Lease Corporation, says: “We are delighted to order these ATR 72-600s, which will complement our portfolio of narrow and wide-body aircraft. Air Lease has identified a number of opportunities for these aircraft among our existing and future customers. The ATR 72s will enable us to strengthen our regional offering with an aircraft that is a proven success, featuring unrivalled operating costs and good performance on short routes. The ATR has distinguished itself with a wide base of operators and strong residual values which make it a good investment for a lessor”.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, says: “We are extremely pleased that a major leasing company with the strength, breadth and reputation of Air Lease is entering the regional market and has selected ATRs for this segment. The ATR turboprop offers a secure position in the segment when compared to regional jets, benefiting airlines and providing investment opportunities for the finance and leasing sectors. Our new partnership with Air Lease will enable us to further show and promote the advantages of the ATRs to many different operators in the world. We are convinced this partnership will bring many success stories to Air Lease and its customers”.

Due to be introduced from 2011, ATR’s ‘600-series’ features and benefits include:

• Best-in-class fuel efficiency and straightforward maintenance, minimizing operating costs
• Outstanding performance, including at small and restricted airfields
• The widest cabin in its class, maximizing space and comfort
• The new ARMONIA cabin, designed by ATR and Italian house Giugiaro Design to be welcoming, attractive and comfortable, and to make travelling a real pleasure
• Class-leading environmental performance
• Low weight, reducing airport and en-route charges
• A new avionics suite featuring the most modern navigation aid tools.

Source: ATR