Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) confirms its agreement to lease nine new ATR 72-600 aircraft to TAROM, the Romanian flag carrier. The first of the nine aircraft is anticipated to be delivered in October 2019, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2020.
TAROM has been very successful in its domestic market operations by using ATRs to allow it to compete with low-cost carriers. This upgrade will ensure that the airline is equipped with the latest generation of turboprops burning 40% less fuel and emitting 40% less CO2 than regional jets.
The introduction of the new ATR 72-600 will allow Tarom to improve short-haul connectivity in Romania and support the development of local and more isolated communities, providing them with the possibility to further expand and consolidate their position in the market.
New ATRs will offer TAROM an additional 330,000 seats every year at the same operating cost as its previous seat level, improving short-haul connectivity in Romania and supporting the development of local and more isolated communities. This will provide TAROM with the possibility to further expand and consolidate their position in the market.
TAROM Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Madalina Mezei said: “We have selected ATR after a comprehensive review of competing aircraft, with the ATR 72-600s demonstrating that they are the best aircraft to meet our ambitious targets regarding efficiency, modern technology and environmental responsibility. With this aircraft, we will be able to develop new routes and increase frequency and seat availability, while introducing the highest levels of comfort and the latest technology into our domestic network.”
“We are very proud to welcome TAROM as our newest customer,” said Martin Møller, Chairman of Nordic Aviation Capital “we are confident that the ATR 72-600 aircraft will ensure efficiency in their network for many years to come. We thank TAROM for the confidence they have placed in NAC, and we look forward to building and strengthening our relationship with them in the future.”
Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR commented: “TAROM is among Europe’s most experienced ATR operators. We are proud to see this long-time customer renew its partnership with the ATR 72-600, the regional aircraft with the best environmental credentials. TAROM made its selection after a rigorous evaluation, and in selecting the ATR 72-600 they chose more efficiency, more flexibility and more capacity, for long-term benefits.”
TAROM and ATR have been working together for 20 years. The Romanian national airline operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including seven ATR 42-500s and two ATR 72-500s which are now to be traded in for the announced nine 72-600s.
