Philippine-based low-fare carrier Cebu Pacific has taken delivery of its first ATR aircraft, a brand new ATR 72-500. The airline inked last year two contracts with ATR for the purchase of a total of 10 ATR 72-500s, and options for 8 additional aircraft, valued at over US$330 million, based upon list prices.

Cebu Pacific will take delivery of its firmly ordered ATRs in 2008 and 2009. All the aircraft are configured with 72 seats and feature the state-of-the-art technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools and passenger comfort.

Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific expressed his satisfaction with the introduction of the first ATR aircraft in the Philippines. "With our new ATRs, we will bring our passengers to more destinations with airports that have runway length and strength limitations. We are excited about having the ATR as part of our fleet, and we are pleased to offer our passengers the many advantages of these aircraft, including their optimal comfort." He concluded: "We are very confident about the performance of the ATR aircraft, and the success of our partnership with ATR."

Stephane Mayer, ATR CEO, declared: "We are honoured with this first introduction in such an important and strategic market. ATR is consolidating its strong leader position in Asia, which represents more than 60% of our new orders since the recovery of the turboprop market in 2005. With their ability to land on short runways, their reliability, and their ease of maintenance, the ATR aircraft will bring an optimal service to Cebu Pacific. We will be glad to take part in the expansion of Cebu Pacific and the growth of their network."

ATR reached in 2007 a record year with orders for 113 new aircraft. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 953 aircraft (417 ATR 42s and 536 ATR 72s) and has delivered 757 (397 ATR 42s and 360 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 196 aircraft.