Air NZ orders up to 12 ATR 72-600s

Air New Zealand and regional aircraft manufacturer ATR this week announced an order for seven firm new generation ATR 72-600s, plus options for five additional aircraft.

The deal, subject to contract signing, is at list prices valued at more than US$ 270 million, including options.

The first of the 68-seat ATR72-600 aircraft will be delivered to Air New Zealand in October 2012. Deliveries will be completed in 2016.  

Air NZ currently operates 11 ATR 72-500 aircraft through its subsidiary carrier, Mount Cook Airline.

Rob Fyfe, CEO of the airline said: “The ATR 72-500 has been a core part of our extensive regional operations in New Zealand since 1999. It has proven to be very popular with our customers and very cost-effective to operate.

“We now need to expand our fleet, not only to add frequencies on existing routes but to step up from smaller aircraft types. We know the ATR product well, and after careful consideration of several options, we believe this is the most cost-effective, environmentally conscious, and customer-friendly aircraft available in its market segment.”

Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR, said: “It is always exciting to secure a new customer for our aircraft. But it is an even greater endorsement of ATR when a major, world class airline that has been a long-term ATR customer returns to place new orders.

"Air New Zealand first started operating ATRs in 1994 and has operated the ATR 72-500 since 1999, and we are delighted that as a continuation of our long partnership, the airline has again selected our aircraft."