Ecuador’s TAME Orders 3 ATR 42-500s

Ecuador’s national flag carrier TAME, has signed a contract for the purchase of 3 new ATR 42-500s, valued at US$ 54 million.

This is the first time that ATR as concluded an aircraft sale with an Ecuadorian airline. This deal also reinforces the growing presence of ATR in Latin America and Caribbean region, where there are some 120 ATRs in operation, plus more than other 40 on order.

With the entry into service of these new 50-seat ATR 42-500s, starting in September 2011, Ecuador’s flag carrier will develop “public service routes” in order to bring air connectivity to some remote regions across the country. The new ATRs will also help to feed main national airports at Quito and Guayaquil.

The ATR 42-500 is optimally suited for the country’s airports and operational characteristics, which includes hot and high environments and short runways.

General Gustavo Cuesta, Chief Executive Officer of TAME, said, “The purchase of these new ATRs is part of a double goal. On the one hand, we are renewing our fleet with brand new aircraft featuring the best ecoefficiency and proven performance in altitude, hot environments, small airfields and short runways. On the other hand, as a public carrier, we aim to expand our national network, and bring air services to remote areas with convenient access to main towns. Our new ATRs will allow us to develop services where the only alternative today can be more than ten hours of driving.” 

 ATR 42-500

Passenger capacity: 50 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,400 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 18,600 Kg
Maximum payload: 5,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 801 nautical miles (1,483 Km)

The Paris Air Show is being held this week at Le Bourget near the French capital, Paris.

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