Air Tahiti orders 25th ATR aircraft

Air Tahiti has ordered an ATR 72-500, valued at over US$ 18 million. With the acquisition of this aircraft, the French Polynesian operator is reaching its 25th new ATR ordered since 1986. The airline currently operates 4 ATR 42-500s and 5 ATR 72-500s. Three additional ATR 72-500s currently on order, including this new aircraft order, are to be delivered in 2008 and 2009.

This 66-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.

Thanks to the ETOPS 120 capability of the ‘-500 series’, an exclusive feature in the regional aviation, Air Tahiti is able to operate its ATR fleet over an islands network as vast as Europe. ATR aircraft are thus paramount to the development of Air Tahiti’s network, and offer essential air transport services across French Polynesia. The airline counts today one of the largest and youngest fleets of ATR aircraft in the Pacific zone.

Mate Galenon, Chief Executive of Air Tahiti, said, “To offer our passengers a modern, young and updated fleet of ATRs is for us a major asset. With the acquisition of this ATR 72-500, we are confirming the increasing capacity of our ATR fleet, and the ability to face the increasing demand on our routes.” 

“There have been important enhancements and developments of several runways in French Polynesia. We are delighted to be able to bring our ATR 72s to more places, like soon the Marquises second biggest island Hiva Oa, that up until now could only be reached with smaller ATR 42s,” added Galenon.

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