Nordic Aviation Capital, the world's largest lessor of turboprop aircraft, has acquired an ATR 42-500 aircraft in Australia. The aircraft, serial number 571, was previously operated in the State of Queensland by regional airline Macair. It departed Australia at the weekend, flying from Cairns, North Queensland, to Billund, Denmark, where NAC is based.

NAC offers a fleet of 160 aircraft to 30 customer companies in 20 countries, and is continuing to expand. The purchase of the ex-Macair aircraft coincides with NAC joining the Regional Airlines Association of Australia (RAAA) during the organisation's annual general meeting at Coolum, in Queensland, earlier this month.

"There is significant and increasing interest around the world in new and pre-owned turboprop aircraft," said Dean Osborne, Vice President Sales and Acquisitions for NAC. "The former Macair ATR 42-500 is an excellent acquisition for us, joining our portfolio at a time of great demand for medium to large turboprop airliners," he said.

Mr Osborne said NAC expected considerable opportunities in Australia in coming years, as airlines sought to update their fleets, expand capacity on existing routes or introduce flights to new markets.

The NAC fleet largely is comprised of turboprops including ATR 42 and ATR 72 series, Bombardier Dash 8-300 and Q400 series, Fokker 50s and Saab 2000s, plus jets including Bombardier CRJ, Boeing 737 and A320 models. International customers include Lufthansa, American Airlines, US Airways, SAS, Flybe, Air Berlin and TACA.

Nordic Aviation Capital is a long term member of the European Regions Airlines Association and the U.S. Regional Airline Association.

Contributed by Nordic Aviation Capital