ATR and Lonrho Sign MoU for Two Additional ATR 72-500s to Be Operated by Fly540

Released on Wednesday, February 06, 2008

ATR and the pan-African investing conglomerate Lonrho today announced the signature by Lonrho's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lonrho Air, of a MoU for the purchase of 2 ATR 72-500s. Today's deal follows a first order for 8 new aircraft, announced in January 2008. These 10 new ATR 72-500s will be deployed by Fly540, an airline belonging to the conglomerate. All the aircraft will be configured with 66 seats, including 12 in first class, and will be equipped with higher rated PW 127M engines, with the "Elegance Cabin" and with In-Flight Entertainment (IFE).

Lonrho's Fly540, is developing an expanding aviation network across Africa, providing much needed air transportation at international standards of comfort and service. Fly540 will be operating in eight African countries by early in 2008 and these new aircraft will allow the airline to continue its rapid expansion to develop its network linking African countries with quality regional service.

Commenting on the deal, Lonrho's Chairman David Lenigas, stated: "We are delighted that we have been able to agree the purchase of a further two new aircraft from ATR which takes the Fly540 fleet to twelve ATRs". He added: "In conjunction with the roll out of the regional jets to be utilised by Fly540, this aircraft combination allows Fly540 to offer the best standards of customer service and safety at the most economical rates. Modern aircraft and international standards are desperately needed in the African airline sector, and by forward planning with key manufacturers such as ATR, Lonrho can ensure that it can deliver both, and over time, provide much needed international standard aviation services to connect Africa".

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO expressed "the satisfaction of receiving a second order intake just a few weeks after announcing a first deal. This is a real proof of the confidence of Lonrho in our aircraft and their aim to associate ATR to their ambitious expansion of the air connectivity in Africa". He added: "The confidence of our customers is clearly a main issue for the consolidation of the worldwide success of the ATR programme" And concluded: "Thanks to the confidence of our clients, we have sold more than 950 aircraft, while obtaining last year the record of order intakes, with 113 new aircraft".