|
Lonrho
Air, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the pan-African investing conglomerate Lonrho,
has signed a MoU for the purchase of 8 ATR 72-500s. The aircraft will be operated by Fly540, an airline belonging to the conglomerate. The deal, which includes a comprehensive
support and spares package, is valued at over US$ 150 million.
The aircraft will be configured with 66 seats, including 12 in first class, and will be equipped with
PW 127M engines, with the
“Elegance Cabin” and with In-Flight Entertainment. The 8 new ATRs will also feature state-of-the-art technological innovations in the
field of communications and navigation aid tools. The deliveries of these aircraft are scheduled for 2008 and 2009.
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
in early 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, said, “We are delighted that we have been able to agree on the purchase of
eight new aircraft from ATR to expand our existing ATR fleet. We have been impressed with the ATRs that we currently operate. We are
confident that these new ATR 72-500 aircraft will provide the lowest engine and airframe maintenance costs and fuel costs of any other
aircraft in this market, whilst providing state of the art avionics and new aircraft reliability and safety. When operated on appropriate routes, it
provides an excellent competitive advantage to our business.”
See
other recent news regarding:
Airlines,
Aviation,
Hotels,
ATR
|
