Nordic Aviation Capital places a landmark order for 90 ATR -600s

Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and ATR signed (18-Jun-2013) a historic agreement for the sale of 90 ATR -600s, including 35 firm orders (30 ATR 72-600s and five ATR 42-600s). The contract, including options, amounts to over USD2.1 billion. NAC, which has signed several orders for new ATRs over the past three years, already has the largest fleet of ATRs in the world with over hundred aircraft. With the progressive arrival of the 30 additional ATR 72-600s and 5 ATR 42-600s into its fleet, NAC's ATR portfolio will exceed 150 aircraft by 2016. NAC chairman Martin Møller said: "We have made ATR turboprops one of the main pillars of our present and future development. We believe that regional aviation in the years to come will increasingly rely on this outstanding technology, and that ATR aircraft will continue to see great success with airlines operating in this segment. The 180 airlines operating ATRs around the world represent so many opportunities for us to grow our business." He added: "Our experience as lessors confirms the strong demand for ATRs with regional airlines. Their very low operating costs and high reliability are the major drivers for ensuring profitability, both for airlines and for ourselves." In the past three years, nearly one in four ATRs were sold to leasing companies. [more - original PR]