FIRST NEW ORDER FOR ATR IN THE COUNTRY
European turboprop manufacturer ATR and Ecuador’s national flag carrier TAME
today signed a contract for the purchase of 3 new ATR 42-500s, valued at US$
54 million. This is the first time ATR concluded an aircraft sale with an Ecuadorian
airline. This deal also reinforces the growing presence of ATR in Latin America and
Caribbean region, where there are some 120 ATRs in operation, plus more than
other 40 on order.
With the entry into service of these new 50-seat ATR 42-500s, starting in
September 2011, Ecuador’s flag carrier will develop “public service routes” in order
to bring air connectivity to some remote regions across the country. The new ATRs
will also help to feed main national airports at Quito and Guayaquil.
The ATR 42-500 is optimally suited for the country’s airports and operational
characteristics, which includes hot and high environments and short runways.
General Gustavo Cuesta, Chief Executive Officer of TAME, declares: “The
purchase of these new ATRs is part of a double goal. On the one hand, we
are renewing our fleet with brand new aircraft featuring the best ecoefficiency
and proven performance in altitude, hot environments, small airfields and short
runways. On the other hand, as a public carrier, we aim to expand our national
network, and bring air services to remote areas with convenient access to main
towns. Our new ATRs will allow us to develop services where the only alternative
today can be more than ten hours of driving”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, underlines that “this new contract
demonstrates there is a steady market for 50-seat regional aircraft. Today ATR
is the only manufacturer that can propose a solution for this market. It also
confirms the strong dynamism of Latin America, where regional networks are
being substantially developed and where we are recently experiencing very
good commercial success. The introduction of these new turboprops will bring to
passengers new standards of comfort, while helping the national carrier to optimize
its operating and maintenance costs.”
Source from ATR
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