NAC consolidates itself as the worldwide largest lessor of ATRs, with a fleet of more than 100 aircraft European turboprop manufacturer ATR and Danish regional aircraft leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) today signed a contract for the purchase of 10 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 72-500s, plus options for 10 additional ATR 72-600s. The total amount of the deal, including options, is valued at US$500 million.

The 10 firm ATR 72-600s and the options had been previously inked, as Heads of Agreement, by both companies at the Paris Air Show last June, and now confirmed by the final contract signature. With the additional 2 ATR 72-500s unveiled today, NAC will bring to 103 the total fleet of ATRs in its portfolio. Deliveries of these two ATR 72-500s are scheduled before the end of the year. NAC will start receiving its ATR 72-600s next year.

Privately-owned NAC is the world's largest turboprop leasing company. It currently has a portfolio of some 170 aircraft, including their 12 ATR on order (10 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 72-500s). NAC introduced ATR aircraft into its fleet in 2003, with the purchase of an ATR 42.

Martin Moller, Chairman of NAC, declares: "We have decided to introduce new ATR -600s and -500s into our portfolio because of their high popularity among regional carriers worldwide. ATR has a portfolio of more than 170 operators around the world, and we consider that these twelve new aircraft will bring us strong additional business opportunities. We have been leasing ATR aircraft for years, and we are fully satisfied with the commercial results they have been providing us all this time".

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, underlines "the increasing interest of leasing companies into new ATR aircraft. In 2011, which is our best-selling year ever, we have booked more than 20% of sales with leasing companies. ATR aircraft are becoming a real asset for lessors. Because of their worldwide-recognized economics, ATRs are optimally positioned to optimize profitability margins among regional carriers. As a consequence, they become then also very popular among leasing firms. We are pleased to further consolidate with NAC such a fruitful and long-lasting partnership."

About the 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 Kg
Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 899 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

About the ATR 72-500:

Passenger capacity: 68 to 74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum takeoff power: 2,750 HP per engine
Maximum takeoff weight: 22,800 kg
Maximum load: 7,000 kg
Maximum IFR range with full passenger load: 824 nautical miles (1,526 km)

About Nordic Aviation Capital

Nordic Aviation Capital was established in Denmark in 1990 and is headquartered in Billund, Denmark. NAC is dedicated to the worldwide sale, purchasing and financing of commercial turboprop and jet aircraft. The company has regional offices in the U.S., Ireland, Singapore, France, Canada, Switzerland and United Kingdom, providing aircraft to established carriers such as American Airlines, US Airways, Lufthansa, SAS, Flybe, TRIP, Air Berlin, TACA and Air France affiliates.

About ATR

Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for 50 to 74 seat turboprop aircraft. Since the start of the program, ATR has sold more than 1200 aircraft to over 175 operators based in 94 countries. Our planes have totaled over 21 million flight hours. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia (a Finmeccanica Group company) and EADS. ATR headquarters is located in Toulouse and ATR is ISO 14001 certified, the international reference standard in the field for environmental friendliness.

Contributed by ATR