First ATR 72-600 for TRIP delivered to ALC »

By Leandro Maldonado
05 November 2011

The first brand-new ATR 75 Series 600 for TRIP Linhas Aéreas of Brazil is seen departing Toulouse, France. Obtained through a lease with ALC in the USA, the whole deal could encompass 20 aircraft for use on regional routes. © ATR

Toulouse-Blagnac, 3 November 2011 — European turboprop manufacturer ATR today delivered to the U.S.-based lessor, Air Lease Corporation (ALC) their first ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft for lease to the Brazilian carrier TRIP. This delivery is taking place in a year where ATR has booked a record number of orders for its turboprop aircraft.

Founded by Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ALC has agreed in 2010 and 2011 to purchase twelve ATR 72-600s, with options for eight additional ATR 72-600s. Among the reasons ALC chose to add the ATR to its fleet are the aircraft’s advanced avionics and its redesigned cabin.

Brazil’s TRIP Linhas Aéreas, one of the leading carriers in South American regional aviation, will operate this new aircraft and the next five ATR 72-600s delivered to ALC. This will enable the expansion of its domestic network to new destinations, as well as adding capacity and more frequent routes in growing markets.

“We are pleased to take delivery of our very first ATR 72-600 aircraft and lease it to Trip Linhas Aéreas” declared Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALC. “The ATR 72-600 is one of the most technologically advanced turboprop aircraft in the industry and will help to lower operating costs and maximize efficiency for the airline.”

	The new Series 600 ATR 42 and ATR 72 are equipped with a full “glass cockpit”, provided by Thales, comprising five muti-function EFIS and an iPad-like procedure and message visualization panel for each pilot. © ATR

“We began this partnership with Air Lease Corporation more than a year ago and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition with today’s delivery of their first ATR 72-600,” said ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato. “Air Lease is a very well-respected leasing company and we are honored to fulfill a need with our 600 series which provides a good investment for the lessor, cost-savings to the airlines, and comfortable in-flight experience for their passengers. We are also pleased to contribute to the expansion of TRIP in Brazil’s very dynamic regional market”.

The ATR Series 600 is said to feature the most advanced technology available anywhere in regional aviation today. It helps airlines manage operational costs by using significantly less fuel than regional jets. The aircraft also features improved avionics, enhanced performance in hot and high environments and increased cabin space. The ATR -600s feature larger overhead bins for carry-on roller bags and the widest cabin in its class for more legroom. As an option, they can feature also a dual-class cabin and in-flight entertainment.

During the July 2010 Farnborough International Air Show, ALC became the first U.S. lessor to purchase new ATRs with its order for 10 new ATR 72-600s, along with options for an additional 10. ALC converted 2 of the options into firm orders in September 2011.

Source: ATR

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