Mexico City, November 14, 2016 - The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the Mexican carrier Aeromar today signed a contract for the purchase of 8 firm ATR -600 series aircraft (6 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-600s). The deal also includes options for 6 additional ATR 72-600s.
The ATR 42-600s will be configured with 48 seats and the ATR 72-600s will have a capacity of 72 passengers. With the introduction of these latest-generation turboprop aircraft, the airline will progressively replace and upgrade its current fleet, which today includes 9 ATR 42-500s, 4 ATR 42-300s and 2 ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will also enable Aeromar to add passenger capacity to boost a number of main routes and create new connections to its regional network across the country. The first of the new ATR -600s will arrive in December 2016. Aeromar is a long-standing partner of ATR, having been operating ATR aircraft for almost 30 years, since it was founded in 1987.
The cabin of the ATR -600s, designed by the Italian firm Giugiaro, features the most modern standards of passenger comfort, including thinner and lighter seats, LED lighting and new overhead bins with 30% additional storage capacity compared with previous ATR versions.
In terms of eco-efficiency, the ATR 72-600 has the lowest environmental footprint in its category, consuming 40% less fuel than similar sized regional jets, which means a saving of up to 5,000 tons of CO 2 per year. The ATR -600s are equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M engines
The new avionics of the ATR -600s, developed by Thales, use the same technologies as in the A380 aircraft, substantially decreasing pilot workload and increasing flight path and approach precision thanks to satellite navigation.
Commenting on the deal, Andrés Fabre, Chief Executive Officer of Aeromar, stated: "The ATR aircraft represent the most cost-effective solution for our short-haul network. With a renewed fleet based upon the ATR -600s, our passengers will experience the most modern standards of comfort and service. We are very pleased to further develop this longstanding and highly successful partnership with ATR. We both share a commitment to safety and the passion for technology with an environmental-friendly conscience".
Tom Anderson, Senior Vice President Commercial and Customer Support of ATR, declared: "For almost 30 years Aeromar has been providing an essential service across Mexico, linking communities and contributing to the development of regional economies. We are proud that the progressive introduction of the new and eco-efficient ATR -600s will enable the airline to continue delivering its passengers the highest quality of service on each and every flight."
As of today, some 160 ATR aircraft fly over Latin America and the Caribbean under the liveries of 30 airlines. The number of ATRs operating in the region has doubled over the last decade.
About the ATR 42-600:Passenger capacity: 46 to 50 seats
Engines: PW127M, from Pratt & Whitney Canada
Maximum power at take-off: 2400 shaft horsepower (SHP) per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 18,600 kg
Maximum payload: 5,500 kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 800 nautical miles (1,483 km)
About the ATR 72-600:Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats
Engines: PW127M, from Pratt & Whitney Canada
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 shaft horsepower (SHP) per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 kg
Maximum payload: 7,500 kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 km)
About Aeromar:Established in January 1987 as Transportes Aeromar, the carrier today operates scheduled direct services to Mexico's domestic destinations and international services to the USA. Aeromar is based at Mexico City International Airport and currently operates a fleet of 15 ATR aircraft (ATR 42s and ATR 72s) to over 22 destinations. Aeromar is the second largest regional airline in Mexico in terms of daily flights, after Aeromexico. For more information, visit Aeromar's website at www.aeromar.com.mx.
About ATR:Founded in 1981, ATR is the world leader on the market for below-90-seat regional aircraft. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,500 aircraft. ATR aircraft equip the fleets of some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, the Airbus Group and Leonardo. Based in Toulouse, France, ATR is well established worldwide with a large customer support and sales network, including Customer Service Centers, training centers and warehouses. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com