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ATR Archives | LARA

Silk Avia introduces first ATR aircraft in Uzbekistan

By Featured, Regional Turboprops

New regional airline, Silk Avia, has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with ATR for the acquisition of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft. Three of these will come from ATR directly, whilst two will be delivered via a lessor.

The airline is expected to begin operations soon with three used ATR 72-600 aircraft already in its possession.

Silk Avia and ATR also announced the signing of a five-year Global Maintenance Agreement. This pay-by-the-hour contract will allow the Uzbekistanian regioanl airline to take full advantage of ATR’s expertise to support its ATR aircraft, reducing maintenance costs and boosting operations.

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, comments: “There is no better solution to provide essential links than an ATR 72-600, the sustainable benchmark in regional aviation today. In a fast-growing country such as Uzbekistan, Silk Avia will play a key role by offering vital links for local communities and boosting the economy.

“We warmly welcome Silk Avia as one of our newest customers, opening a new market for ATR in Central Asia.”

Rano Dzhuraeva, Chair of Uzbekistan Airports, says: “We are excited to be soon launching our operations with an all-ATR fleet. As a new low-cost airline, we undertook an extensive review of which aircraft would provide the best solution. Our selection of the ATR 72-600 is the perfect choice for us as they will ensure we can offer our passengers the most modern, comfortable and reliable experience in the most affordable and sustainable way.”

November 23, 2022

ATR secures Chinese certification approval and firm order

By Featured, Regional Turboprops

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has provided validation of the type certificate for the ATR 42-600. ATR have also received a firm order for three ATR 42-600 aircraft from an undisclosed customer. 

This achievement presents ATR with the opportunity to re-enter the Chinese market. The ATR 42-600 is an ideal route opener for China, a vast country looking to grow essential connections profitably and responsibly.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Receiving CAAC’s validation of the ATR 42-600 type certificate, along with a firm order, is a major achievement marking the re-introduction of ATR turboprops in China.”

“The ATR 42-600 will undoubtedly prove to be a game-changer. ATR offers an eco-responsible alternative to jets while bringing comfort and convenience to passengers, and essential air services for communities and businesses to thrive.”

Fabrice Vautier, ATR’s Senior Vice-President Commercial added: “By 2035, we anticipate that over 150 airports will be built in China and turboprops will play a key role in creating a new network of short, thin routes, complementing the high-speed train offering.”

“Our 20-year forecast predicts a need for 280 new turboprops in the region, and ATR is perfectly placed to meet this demand, whilst also contributing to decrease the reliance on public subsidies and delivering reduced CO2 emissions.”

November 8, 2022

Loganair sells Saab planes in US$12million deal

By Featured

Loganair has moved to complete and renew the fleet operating on its Highlands and Islands routes by the end of 2023, selling the remaining eight Saab 340 aircraft in a US$12million sale agreement. 

The airline, which operates 42 aircraft and flies 70 routes, is set to welcome eight new ATR turboprops into its fleet next year, which will deliver a reduction of up to 27% in carbon emissions per seat. The older Saab aircraft are set to go to undisclosed airline operators in North America.

Loganair already has 15 ATR aircraft in service, which includes four ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft, and the addition of these eight new craft will make it one of the largest operators of ATR aircraft in Europe.

Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive of Loganair, said: “The Saab 340s have served us, and our customers, superbly well over the last two decades but it’s time for us to transition to a new generation of aircraft.

“In selecting our future fleet, it’s important to have an aircraft which builds upon our environmental credentials while withstanding island weather conditions and providing accessibility for all customers…Our multi-million-pound investment in ATR aircraft will safeguard connectivity for future generations within the Highlands and Islands air network, on which so many communities depend.”

November 4, 2022

Air Cairo optimises reintroduction of ATR aircraft in Egypt

By Featured, MRO, Regional Turboprops

ATR and Air Cairo have signed a Global Maintenance Agreement at MRO Europe 2022.

Through this 5 year agreement, Air Cairo will benefit from repair, overhaul, and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units for its fleet of ATR-72-600s, which are currently being delivered.

With over 200 weekly flights to 35 international destinations, Air Cairo offers vital connectivity for local communities and tourists.

Mr Hussein Sherif, Chief Executive Officer at Air Cairo, said: “Being profitable in a low-fare environment is a day-to-day challenge, the key of which is not only to have the right aircraft, but also to make the most of them. As we are reintroducing the ATR platform in Egypt after 15 years, we want to ensure we can offer our passengers the most modern, comfortable and reliable experience. Our choice of the aircraft type will assist on the former two points, while the ATR GMA will support our effort to deliver the latter to our passengers.”

David Brigante, Senior Vice-President Customer Support and Services at ATR said: “This contributes to making regional air transport even more reliable, accessible and sustainable. We will be offering Air Cairo our expertise to ensure it can make the most of its ATR fleet, as we well know that even the most efficient aircraft is only valuable when it is flying.”

October 20, 2022

Air Tahiti expands ATR fleet size

By Featured

ATR and Air Tahiti have announced one firm order for an ATR 72-600, and a further deal for two 42-600S (Short Take Off and Landing). 

Air Tahiti has operated for 65 years, serving and connecting the communities of French Polynesia, and currently operates a fleet of 10 ATR aircraft. The orders of these additional aircraft – particularly the 42-600S variant – will enable the airline to access to harder to reach destinations with shorter runways, like Maupiti.

” Our ATR fleet has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve this essential mission, and will continue to be as we keep growing and offering further sustainable connectivity,” said Manate Vivish, Air Tahiti’s General Manager. 

“Renewed confidence from a long serving customer, such as Air Tahiti, is the best recognition of the efforts we are making every day to offer the most efficient, comfortable and sustainable regional aircraft, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets,” added Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer.

October 14, 2022

Toki Air signs 10-year contract to support new ATR fleet

By Featured

ATR and new Japanese airline, Toki Air, have signed a Maintenance Agreement (GMA) contract for the operation of its two leased ATR 72-600 due to start in 2023.

The Japanese airline will ensure reliability of its new operations by benefiting from a ten year ATR GMA contract which covers onsite stock, Line Replaceable Unit Pool Exchange Service, Line Replaceable Unit Repair Service, propeller blades and landing gears.

As the fourth ATR operator in Japan, Toki Air aims to use its services to revitalise Niigata city, by increasing connections within and between surrounding regions, linking communities and supporting growth in a responsible way.

Masaki Hasegawa, Representative Director of Toki Air, said: “Starting our operations with ATR aircraft covered by the ATR GMA means that we will be able to offer a responsible and reliable air connection to communities of Niigata and the surrounding regions. Selecting the ATR GMA ensures that we will benefit from the manufacturer’s expertise and we have the right infrastructure in place to optimise our operations.”

David Brigante, SVP Programmes and Customer Service of ATR, commented: “Toki Air is dedicated to revitalising some remote regions and supplying essential connectivity to help Japanese people living in remote areas link to larger hubs. Choosing ATR aircraft with a ten year GMA contract to support their ambition is a real vote of confidence for us.”

September 22, 2022

C&L Aviation Group continues ATR support with PMA offering

By Featured, MRO

C&L Aerospace has increased support for ATR operators with an increased PMA parts manufacturing offering. Prior to this, C&L had partnered with a manufacturer to be the main distributor  for a Rear Tail Cone Lens assembly for the ATR aircraft.

C&L have been increasing its parts, support and offerings for ATR operators over several years. These units are the first PMA parts that C&L have distributed, with the hopes to distribute several more.

The company’s ATR support program includes PMA development, rotables, leading edges, propeller support, engine support, consignment, and pool agreements. Eight ATR teardowns have been completed in the past 36 months  which combined with previous multi-million-dollar parts purchases provide a significant inventory to support operators.

“C&L is not only focused on supplying new, repaired, and overhauled material to our ATR customers, but we’re always listening to and working on products that benefit our customers,” said Warrick Hood, Senior Vice President, C&L Aerospace. “C&L customers identified the ATR Rear Tail Cone Lens as a part with supply, quality and economic concerns and we developed a solution to address all these concerns.”

August 30, 2022

Pratt & Whitney Canada certifies PW127XT-M Regional Turboprop Engine

By Featured, Regional Turboprops

Pratt & Whitney Canada has disclosed that Transport Canada Civil Aviation has type certified the PW127XT-M regional turboprop engine that will power new builds of ATR aircraft.

Previously revealed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021, the PW127XT-M offers massive improvements to the sustainability of aircraft: 40% more time on wing, 20% lower maintenance costs, and 3% improvements in fuel efficiency.

“The PW127XT-M engine is the new standard for operating economics, maintenance and sustainability for regional aircraft,” said Timothy Swail, vice president, Regional Aviation and APU Product Marketing & Sales for Pratt & Whitney Canada. “This certification is an important step toward the entry into service of new ATR aircraft and we continue to support ATR as it builds a strong order book.”

In June, Pratt & Whitney Canada announced that Deutsche Aircraft had selected the PW127XT engine to power the new D328eco. The selected engine model – the PW127XT-S – will be developed according to the D328eco timeline.

August 26, 2022

ATR appoints Nathalie Tarnaud Laude as its new CEO

By Featured, People

ATR announces that its Board Members, Airbus and Leonardo, have appointed the new Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, effective from 17 September. Nathalie succeeds Stefano Bortoli following the terms set by ATR’s bylaws. Stefano will take on a new leadership role at Leonardo that will be announced by the company in the upcoming days.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude is currently NHIndustries’ President and Senior Vice President Head of the NH90 Programme for Airbus Helicopters. Prior to this, she held various senior positions at Airbus in strategy, programme, technology and finance. She brings strong strategic and leadership skills, as well as programme execution experience, essential to continue developing ATR as a leader in sustainable regional aviation. Nathalie joined Airbus in 2005 and holds a MBA from London Business School.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude said: “I am honored to join such an exceptional team of passionate and professional individuals, and I look forward to working with all ATR employees, existing and new customers, and our shareholders, to bring the company to the next heights. You can count on all my energy and enthusiasm to continue the ATR extraordinary success story.”

July 27, 2022

FIA2022: ATR finalises sale of ATR 72-600 to Afrijet

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

Afrijet is set to add another ATR 72-600 to its fleet, as ATR finalises the sale of another aircraft to be delivered at the end of the year. This order will bring the Central African airline’s fleet size to six ATR 72-600 by 2023.

The airline initially started with pre-owned ATRs and started to lease the type in 2020. Utilising these aircraft, Afrijet can benefit from the regional turboprop manufacturer’s effectiveness in growing regional networks.

Afrijet CEO, Marc Gaffajoli, says: “Regional connectivity has a significant impact on local economies and community integration. To be effective in Africa an aircraft has to be cost-efficient, reliable and versatile. Moreover, the unique terrain in which Afrijet operates, comprising of the Congo rainforest – the world’s second largest tropical forest after the Amazon – makes an even stronger reason to select the most responsible aircraft on the market for such essential connections.”

Fabrice Vautier, ATR Senior Vice President Commercial, says:  “Most traffic in Africa is concentrated on a few well served routes and there is a real need to connect secondary cities. Afrijet is able to do just that, providing a reliable and comfortable service to local communities.  Accelerating the transition of its fleet to purchase the latest generation of ATR aircraft, is a clear demonstration of Afrijet’s strong business strategy and commitment to sustainable aviation”.

July 21, 2022