ATR Delivers to Air Lease Corporation their First ATR 72-600

European turboprop manufacturer ATR today delivered to the U.S.-based lessor, Air Lease Corporation (ALC) their first ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. Founded by Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ALC has agreed in 2010 and 2011 to purchase 12 ATR 72-600s, with options for 8 additional ATR 72-600s. Among the reasons ALC chose to add the ATR to its fleet are the aircraft’s advanced avionics and its redesigned cabin. Today’s delivery of the first aircraft to ALC comes during a year when ATR has booked a record number of orders for its turboprop aircraft.

Brazil’s TRIP Linhas Aéreas, one of the leading carriers in South American regional aviation, will operate this and the next five ATR 72-600s delivered to ALC. This will enable the expansion of its domestic network to new destinations, as well as adding capacity and more frequent routes in growing markets.

“We are pleased to take delivery of our very first ATR 72-600 aircraft and lease it to Trip Linhas Aéreas” declared Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALC. “The ATR 72-600 is one of the most technologically advanced turboprop aircraft in the industry and will help to lower operating costs and maximize efficiency for the airline.”

“We began this partnership with Air Lease Corporation more than a year ago and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition with today’s delivery of their first ATR 72-600,” said ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato. “Air Lease is a very well-respected leasing company and we are honored to fulfill a need with our 600 series which provides a good investment for the lessor, cost-savings to the airlines, and comfortable in-flight experience for their passengers. We are also pleased to contribute to the expansion of TRIP in Brazil’s very dynamic regional market”.

The ATR -600 series features the most advanced technology available anywhere in regional aviation. It helps airlines manage operational costs by using significantly less fuel than regional jets. The aircraft also features improved avionics, enhanced performance in hot and high environments and increased cabin space. The ATR -600s feature larger overhead bins for carry-on roller bags and the widest cabin in its class for more legroom. As an option, they can feature also a dual-class cabin and in-flight entertainment.

During the July 2010 Farnborough International Air Show, ALC became the first U.S. lessor to purchase new ATRs with its order for 10 new ATR 72-600s, along with options for an additional 10. ALC converted 2 of the options into firm orders in September 2011.