Air Tahiti Orders its 25th ATR aircraft

Released on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

On the occasion of the Singapore Airshow, ATR and Air Tahiti announced today the purchase of an ATR 72-500, valued at over US $ 18 million. With the acquisition of this aircraft, the French Polynesian operator is reaching its 25th new ATR ordered since 1986. The airline currently operates 4 ATR 42-500s and 5 ATR 72-500s. Three additional ATR 72-500s currently on order, including the aircraft announced today, are to be delivered in 2008 and 2009.

This 66-seat aircraft will be equipped with 120-minutes ETOPS (Extended Range Twin-engine Operations) capability, the "Elegance" cabin, higher rated PW 127M engines, as well as state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools.

Thanks to the ETOPS 120 capability of the '-500 series', an exclusive feature in the regional aviation, Air Tahiti is able to operate its ATR fleet over an islands network as vast as Europe. ATR aircraft are thus paramount to the development of Air Tahiti's network, and offer essential air transport services across French Polynesia. The airline counts today one of the largest and youngest fleet of ATR aircraft in the Pacific zone.

Commenting on the deal Mate Galenon, Chief Executive of Air Tahiti, stated: "To offer our passengers a modern, young and updated fleet of ATRs is for us a major asset. With the acquisition of this ATR 72-500, we are confirming the increasing capacity of our ATR fleet, and the ability to face the increasing demand on our routes". And added: "There have been important enhancements and developments of several runways in French Polynesia. We are delighted to be able to bring our ATR 72s to more places, like soon the Marquises second biggest island Hiva Oa, that up until now could only be reached with smaller ATR 42s".

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, declared: "Air Tahiti represents for us the success of a long, continued and fruitful partnership. And it is an honor to contribute to their growth providing them with an aircraft perfectly adapted to their requirements. We are pleased also to play a role in the environmental care of Polynesia, with aircraft typically burning twice less fuel than a recent regional jet". And concluded: "We are honored also by the strong confidence that Air Tahiti has shown in the evolution of our family of aircraft for more than 20 years".

ATR reached in 2007 a record year with orders for 113 new aircraft. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 953 aircraft (417 ATR 42s and 536 ATR 72s) and has delivered 757 (397 ATR 42s and 360 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 196 aircraft.