Brazilian carrier Passaredo Linhas Aéreas has signed a $450m contract with ATR to purchase ten ATR 72-600 aircraft, which also includes the option for an additional ten, following the introduction of a new ATR 72-600 into its fleet.
The new aircraft unveiled at the company’s facility in Toulouse, France, was one of four ATR 72-600s leased from US-based leasing company Air Lease (ALC).
ALC chief executive officer Steven Udvar-Hazy said: "Out of a total of twelve ATR 72-600s ordered from ATR since July 2010, we have already placed ten with Brazilian carriers."
Passaredo is planning to add the four leased aircraft and the ten aircraft booked with ATR in 2012, 2013 and 2014, which will further bring the number of ATR 72-600 in the fleet to 14.
Passaredo Linhas Aéreas president Luiz Felicio said: "Both from a cost and modernity perspective, the ATR 72-600 aircraft is definitely the best suited regional aircraft for short-haul operations in Brazil."
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By GlobalDataThe Brazilian carrier, expected to gain from its Interline Agreement with Brazil’s aviation group GOL, is also planning to begin operating its two leased ATR 72-500 aircraft by end of 2012.
The Interline Agreement will improve Passaredo’s network with the launch of new routes across the country, further supported by the new 70-seat ATRs, facilitating gradual increase in the passenger capacity, while reducing seat-costs on its regional network.
ATR has about 130 aircraft flying in Latin America and the Caribbean region, of which 60 are currently under operation in Brazil, while the number is expected to go beyond 100 within the next three years.
The 68-74 seated ATR 72-600 aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney 127M engines generating an output of 2,750hp per engine, has a maximum takeoff weight of 23,000kg, a maximum load of 7,500kg and can travel ranges of up to 899nm (1,665km) with full passenger load.
Image: Brazilian carrier Passaredo Linhas Aéreas adds new ATR 72-600 into its fleet. Picture: courtesy of ATR.
