Aeromar, one of the major regional airlines in Mexico, today took delivery of its first of 2 ATR 72-600 to be acquired on long-term lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The delivery sees Aeromar become the first operator of the ATR -600 series aircraft in the region. In addition, the new airplanes will be the premier turboprops up to 70 seats in Mexico.

Aeromar is ATR’s longstanding customer with 14 ATR airplanes in its fleet (ten ATR 42-500s and four 42-320s). The newly acquired 68-seat turboprops will replace the smaller ATR 42-320 allowing the airline to further boost service to destinations it already flies to: from the capital Mexico City to airports in smaller cities like Poza Rica, San Luis Potosi or Ciudad Victoria.

Aeromar believes the market is ripe for a bigger turboprop aircraft and that the airline industry needs the improved productivity that the new plane can provide.

“Following the leasing of the new ATR aircraft, Aeromar seeks to maintain its fleet one of the freshest among the Latin American airlines,” Fabricio Cojuc, Aeromar Executive Vice President said. “By renewing our fleet, we are aiming at more efficient operations. ATR 72-600s offers superior passenger capacity compared to the smaller aircraft models and lower fuel consumption per seat. In addition, they are very reliable and that should help with punctuality.”

“We are very pleased to be delivering the first ATR 72-600 to Aeromar. As congestion puts pressure on airports in large cities in Mexico, we are sure the ATR 72-600 is the right solution as this larger turboprop aircraft provides more capacity and greater comfort and efficiency with fewer flights” commented Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ALC’s Chairman and CEO.

“We are delighted to receive a new order from our long-standing customer Aeromar for the best-selling ATR -600 series aircraft,” said Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR. “The ATR 72-600’s versatility and low operational costs have made it very popular with Latin American airlines. The comfort of the ATR -600’s spacious cabin is also appealing to passengers. These eco-efficient ATR aircraft will definitely contribute to the growth and success of Mexico’s regional aviation sector”.

ATR is well established in Latin American region with more than 160 aircraft flying in the livery of 30 operators, including 14 aircraft currently being operated in Mexico.