The airline has ordered a total of 30 firm ATRs since the last year

European turboprop manufacturer ATR and Brazil’s Azul Linhas Aéreas today 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 that make the ATR -600s the reference in regional aviation: new avionics suite with latest generation glass cockpit, redesigned and stylish cabin interiors and enhanced engine performance and payload. With their 10 additional ATR 72-600, Azul Linhas Aéreas will further develop its vast regional network.

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.

David Neeleman, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Azul Linhas Aéreas, declared: “We are pleased to announce the purchase of 10 new aircraft. This reinforces our confidence in the product and our partnership with ATR”.

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.”

About the 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)

ATR press release