Ecuador’s TAME orders 3 ATR 42-500s

European turboprop manufacturer ATR and Ecuador’s national flag carrier TAME today signed a contract for the purchase of 3 new ATR 42-500s, valued at US$ 54 million. This is the first time ATR concluded an aircraft sale with an Ecuadorian airline. This deal also reinforces the growing presence of ATR in Latin America and Caribbean region, where there are some 120 ATRs in operation, plus more than other 40 on order.

With the entry into service of these new 50-seat ATR 42-500s, starting in September 2011, Ecuador’s flag carrier will develop “public service routes” in order to bring air connectivity to some remote regions across the country. The new ATRs will also help to feed main national airports at Quito and Guayaquil.

The ATR 42-500 is optimally suited for the country’s airports and operational characteristics, which includes hot and high environments and short runways. General Gustavo Cuesta, Chief Executive Officer of TAME, declares: “The purchase of these new ATRs is part of a double goal. On the one hand, we are renewing our fleet with brand new aircraft featuring the best ecoefficiency and proven performance in altitude, hot environments, small airfields and short runways. On the other hand, as a public carrier, we aim to expand our national network, and bring air services to remote areas with convenient access to main towns. Our new ATRs will allow us to develop services where the only alternative today can be more than ten hours of driving”.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, underlines that “this new contract demonstrates there is a steady market for 50-seat regional aircraft. Today ATR is the only manufacturer that can propose a solution for this market. It also confirms the strong dynamism of Latin America, where regional networks are being substantially developed and where we are recently experiencing very good commercial success. The introduction of these new turboprops will bring to passengers new standards of comfort, while helping the national carrier to optimize its operating and maintenance costs.”

About the ATR 42-500:

Passenger capacity: 50 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,400 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 18,600 Kg
Maximum payload: 5,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 801 nautical miles (1,483 Km)
About TAME:

TAME is the Ecuador National Airline, founded in 1962. It is the leader airline and holds more than 46% of the local market. TAME as a public company is committed to provide air connectivity between the main cities and remote destinations, where competitors don’t fly, giving other Ecuadorian citizens the option to receive high quality services with comfort and safety. TAME will operate in 15 different destinations in Ecuador. It is also expanding its operations beyond Ecuador boundaries and will fly to United States and Europe in the near future. Achievements: Certifications ISO 9001 and 14001, OHSAS 18000 and IOSA Flown hours: 375.227 Passengers transported: 37.534.987

For more information, visit www.tame.com.ec

About ATR:

Founded in 1981, ATR has become the leading manufacturer worldwide on the 50- to-74-seat regional turboprop aircraft market. Since the start of the program, ATR has sold more than 1,100 aircraft, operated by 175 airlines in 94 countries. ATR aircraft have accumulated more than 21 million flight hours. ATR, which has its headquarters in Toulouse, is an equal-share joint venture between two major players in the European aviation market, Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. ATR holds ISO 14001 certification, the global benchmark for environmental management and sustainable development.