Azul Takes Delivery of ATR 72-600

Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, has taken delivery in Toulouse of the first ATR 72-600 regional turboprop aircraft to be delivered to a Latin American customer.

Azul has placed orders for a total of 30 ATR 72-600s, with options an additional 10 aircraft.

In addition to its ATR 72s, Azul operates a jet fleet of Embraer 190s and 195s.

The airline was founded in December 2008, and in less than three years has developed an extensive network of 40 destinations throughout Brazil.

With the introduction of its new fleet of ATR 72-600s, Azul will continue to support its growing national jet network with shorter haul regional routes. With its current fleet of 8 ATR 72s, Azul serves more cities within the economically vibrant state of Sao Paulo from its Campinas base than any other carrier.

David Neeleman, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Azul, said, “We are delighted to introduce the new ATR -600 series in Brazil and to be among the very first operators of the newest generation turboprops in the world. In addition to offering our passengers the highest standards of comfort, we are committed to making flying more accessible to Brazilian customers in terms of both frequency and cost. This aircraft fits this mission perfectly.”

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added, “With the new ATR 72-600s, the Brazilian regional passengers will have the opportunity of experiencing the new ‘Armonia’ cabin, which features the most advanced technologies in terms of comfort, including larger overhead bins and thinner seats with more legroom. Brazil is a very dynamic market and we are convinced that the performance of the ATRs, coupled with the high levels of comfort proposed to passengers, will continue providing us expansion opportunities across the country and in the whole Latin America.”

ATR 72-600

Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 kgs
Maximum load: 7,500 kgs
Maximum range with full passenger load: 899 nautical miles (1,665 kms 

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