Today the aircraft financing and leasing company GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and ATR signed a contract for the purchase of 5 firm and 5 optional ATR 72-600 aircraft. The deal is valued at $241 million (USD). Deliveries will commence in 2015. The agreement was signed by Norman Liu, President and CEO of GECAS, and Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR, during a ceremony held today at the Dubai International Air Show.

Today’s order from GECAS for up to 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft confirms the increasing role played by the leasing market for financing ATR’s fuel-efficient turboprop airplanes. The new turboprops will benefit from the latest technological developments that distinguish the -600s: a new avionics suite with latest generation glass cockpit, redesigned and stylish cabin interiors, and enhanced engine performance and payload.

“The ATR 72-600 is a key piece of GECAS’s regional aircraft portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft,” Norman Liu said. “We have seen significant market interest in the ATRs and that is why we have added more of them to our portfolio. These aircraft will support the strong growth in regional air transport we anticipate over the coming years.”

“The ATR 72-600 is a key piece of GECAS’s regional aircraft portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft,” Norman Liu said. “We have seen significant market interest in the ATRs and that is why we have added more of them to our portfolio. These aircraft will support the strong growth in regional air transport we anticipate over the coming years.”

ATR press release