ATR enters the Libyan market with a contract for 2 ATR 42-500s
Tripoli, 06 October 2009
ATR and Libya’s flag carrier Libyan Airlines today signed a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 42-500s, which will become the first ATR aircraft to be operated in the country. The deal, valued at some US $ 35 million, has been inked on the occasion of the LAVEX Air show, which is currently underway in Tripoli.
The aircraft are configured with 48 seats, and are equipped with new PW 127M engines, while featuring the very latest technological innovations in the field of navigation aid tools and passenger comfort. The aircraft are to be delivered later this year.
Commenting on the deal, Captain Mohamed Ibsem, Chief Executive Officer of Libyan Airlines, declared: “We have decided to purchase the ATR aircraft because of their flexibility to operate in challenging conditions and tough environments, like the ones that can be found at some destinations in the Libyan desert.” He added: “Thanks to our brand new ATR 42-500s, we will able to improve the quality of our regular air connectivity to several local communities, thus contributing to strengthen both human and business links in our country.” He concluded: “The operating costs of the ATRs, which are the lowest of the regional market, have also clearly contributed to our choice, as they will enable us to obtain an optimal exploitation, specially on low yield routes”.
Jacques Desbarats, Senior Vice-president Commercial of ATR, underlined “the satisfaction of entering a market which features a strong growth potential for the development of the domestic air connectivity. The ATRs represents the right choice for the type of regional operations of the Libyan flag carrier because of their unrivalled performance in hot environments, low maintenance costs and high dispatch reliability and standards of comfort.” He also added: “This order is a demonstration of the strong market for the 50-seat ATR 42-500 aircraft. Today, ATR is the only manufacturer that can offer a true family of both 50-seat and 70-seat aircraft and we believe this is an important feature for our customers.”
The –500 series ATRs:
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006.
About Libyan Airlines:
Libyan Airlines was founded in 1964 as the national flag carrier of Libya and is based in Tripoli. It operates scheduled passenger and cargo services within Libya and Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways, Libya’s other state carrier, have recently been grouped under Libyan African Aviation Holding Company, an organisation created to coordinate the development of the Libyan air transportation. The airline is also member of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA).
About ATR:
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seats turboprop market. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. In 2008, ATR posted an annual turnover record, with US $ 1.3 billion. ATR is certified ISO 14001, the worldwide standard in the field of environmental respect.
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