The airline announces also the purchase of 1 additional ATR 72-600 aircraft
As part of an overhaul of its regional operations, the carrier brings in additional, larger ATR turboprops, increasing seats in the market
Air New Zealand, one of ATR’s largest customers in terms of in-service and on order aircraft, today received its most recent ATR 72-600, continuing on its path of growth of the ATR fleet.On the occasion of the delivery ceremony, held today at the Paris Airshow, the airline announced as well the purchase of an additional ATR 72-600 aircraft. Since 2011, Air New Zealand has purchased a total of 14 ATR 72-600s. Deliveries of the ATR ‘-600’ aircraft will continue until 2017. Once delivered, Air New Zealand will have 25 ATR aircraft in its fleet, including 11 ATR 72-500s and 14 ATR 72-600s.
The introduction of this additional ATR 72-600 aircraft marks yet another step in Air New Zealand’s fleet modernization strategy. The new ATR aircraft will join airline’s existing fleet of 6 other ATR 72-600s and 11 ATR 72-500s. The new aircraft will enter service in July across Air New Zealand’s regional domestic network.
As with other recent deliveries to Air New Zealand, the 68-seat ATR 72-600 is equipped with the most advanced technology for the aircraft type, including a new glass cockpit avionics suite and updated cabin interiors.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon declared: “The addition of a new ATR aircraft to our fleet forms an essential component of our plan to revamp regional operations aimed at delivering sustainable air services and lower prices for customers. We believe the ATR product is the way forward for us. The aircraft are economical to operate, and provide our customers with a modern, bright and comfortable cabin space.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are happy to witness Air New Zealand’s tremendous market success. It is a great honor for ATR to contribute to airline’s growth and we look forward to fostering this fruitful partnership. Air New Zealand’s investment in ATR aircraft is a great endorsement for our ATR aircraft family. The conversion of optional planes into firm orders only reiterates the airline’s commitment to operating the most modern, productive and comfortable aircraft.”
In recent years, ATR aircraft have become the preferred choice of leading airlines for regional operations all over the world. In Asia Pacific, the fleet of ATRs has tripled within the last decade. Today, there are some 350 ATRs flying in the region.
With nearly 450 ATR aircraft sold and a backlog that exceeds 110, some 350 ATR aircraft are in operation across Asia Pacific.