Finncomm Airlines Signs Five ATR 72-500s

Released on Monday, January 21, 2008

ATR and the Finish carrier Finncomm Airlines today announced the purchase of 5 ATR 72-500s for a contract valued at over 90 US $ million.

In 2005, Finncomm Airlines ordered 8 ATR 42-500s, plus options for 8 additional aircraft. In 2006 the airline converted 4 of the firm 42-500s into ATR 72-500s, and also announced the exercise of three of the options into firm ATR 72-500s. With today's deal, Finncomm Airlines completes the exercise of the remaining options and will become the largest operator of ATR 500s series aircraft in Europe, with 4 ATR 42-500s and 12 ATR 72-500s.

The aircraft will be configured with 68 seats, will be equipped with higher rated PW 127M engines, Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), and with the "Elegance Cabin", and will feature state-of-the-art technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools. The deliveries of these aircraft are scheduled between 2009 and 2011.

Commenting on the deal, Juhani Pakari, Managing Director of Finncomm Airlines, declared: "We are fully confident in the ATR aircraft, that we have been operating successfully since 2005.They are playing a major role in the consolidation of our network and our strong market position in Northern Europe. With the ATRs we are meeting our demand with aircraft that features the most advanced technologies and the best standards of comfort available in the regional aviation". He added: "Our entire fleet of 16 ATRs will allow us to economize more than 70,000 tonnes of fuel in 5 years compared to an equivalent fleet of jet aircraft. And to produce some 200,000 tonnes less of CO2. The care of the environment is a major concern for us, and the ATR aircraft offer the optimal solution".

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, stated: "We are delighted with the growth or our fruitful partnership with Finncomm Airlines. Our aircraft are very well adapted to the extreme weather conditions of the North of Europe, and are able to link remote regions where access otherwise is very complicated." He added: "Our aircraft offer the lowest maintenance cost and fuel burn in the regional market and, with the cost of a barrel of fuel hovering around 100 US $, the ATR aircraft represent, more than ever, the right choice for airlines in terms of operating costs".