Asia continued to be a key market for ATT at Farnborough, with TransAsia Airways and Lao Airlines signing orders.
Taiwan-based TransAsia Airways signed a contract for 8 firm ATR 72-600s, plus one option.The deal, including the option, is valued at over US$210 million at list prices. Deliveries will start in 2014 and extend through 2017.
With the purchase of these aircraft, TransAsia Airways will progressively replace their current fleet of 9 ATR 72-500s operating in their domestic network.
Commenting on the deal, Vincent Lin, Chairman of TransAsia Airways underlined that “the ATRs perfectly match our short-haul operations. We have been operating ATRs for years and we know how they perfectly fulfill our aim of combining low operating costs, outstanding performance and highest standards of comfort. With the introduction of the new ATR 72-600s we will now be able to further increase our high level of service, while providing affordable fares for our travellers.”
Lao Airlines, meanwhile, announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 72-600s; valued at US$47 million at list price. These two new aircraft will be added to Lao Airlines’ current fleet of 4 ATR 72-500s. The airline is in the midst of expanding its fleet in order to increase frequency on existing routes and to open new destinations in the surrounding region. Deliveries of these 2 aircraft will take place late in 2012 and in 2013.
This deals are just the latest for ATR in Asia, where it has booked some 240 orders since 2005, representing some 40% of total orders of this period.
