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Air Vanuatu
has signed contract a contract with ATR for the purchase of the
airline's first ATR 72-500. This contract signature follows the MoU
signed in 2007.
This 70-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. The aircraft will be delivered in 2009.
Since 2004, the airline has operated an ATR 42-300 for its principal domestic routes, linking the capital city Port Vila to the islands of Santo
and Tanna, as well as regular flights to Nouméa, New Caledonia. With its new ATR 72-500, Air Vanuatu will be able to face the increasing
demand on its regional network. Furthermore, the unique ETOPS 120 capability offered with the ATR 72-500 will enable Air Vanuatu to
develop its international network with flights to the surrounding Islands such as Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
Commenting on the contract, Hollingsworth Ngwele, Air Vanuatu CEO,
said, “Following the successful service of our ATR 42-300, the
purchase of this ATR 72-500 will allow us to increase the capacity of our fleet and to face the growth of the demand. Because of its
economics, performance, comfort and ETOPS 120 minutes, the ‘-500 series’ ATRs are the optimal aircraft for the development of our
domestic and international operations.”
Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, declared: “The ETOPS 120-rated ATRs enable the airlines to expand their networks while reducing the length of
the flights, the fuel burn and the CO2 emissions. We are honored with the renewal of the confidence of Air Vanuatu, while pleased to
introduce the ‘–500 series’ in a new country of the South Pacific, which represents a key market of the ATR
success.”
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.
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