Azul and ATR Sign Contract for 20 Firm and 20 Option ATR 72-600 Aircraft

(July 20, 2010) -- ATR and the Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aereas today inked a contract for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-600s, plus options for 20 additional aircraft. This makes Azul the first airline in Latin America to place an order for the ATR -600 series aircraft. The deal, signed and announced on the occasion of the Farnborough Air Show, is worth some US $ 850 million, including options. Deliveries of the new aircraft will commence in late 2011.

The new ATR 72-600 fleet will allow Azul to broaden the ongoing expansion of its domestic regional network, which is currently being developed with a fleet of E-190s and E-195s presently serving over 21 destinations in Brazil, by entering into many other regional routes that are ideally suited for the passenger capacity of the ATR 72-600. With the introduction of its brand new fleet of ATR '-600s', Azul will benefit from regional aircraft featuring the lowest operating costs and unrivalled performance that make it the optimum aircraft on the thinner and shorter regional routes. In addition, given the enhanced comfort of the new cabin interior of the ATR '-600s', the airline will be able to offer its passengers the superior product and service for which it is known. The new ATR '-600 series' cabin, named Armonia, feature new wider and lightweight seats, LED lightening and more cabin storage capacity.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, underlined "We are extremely pleased to include Azul as a new member of the ATR family of operators. Azul gives ATR the opportunity to introduce the newest ATR '-600 series' into Brazil and Latin America, a country and a region with very high growth potential for regional transportation. Azul is a dynamic, rapidly growing airline and we are pleased to be part of their expansion and success. The reduced fuel consumption of the ATRs, up to 50% less than for regional jets, provides a transportation solution at optimal operating cost and with limited impact on the beautiful environment of Brazil."

David Neeleman, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Azul, commented: "This is a great moment for all of us at Azul. Our commitment for this brand new fleet of ATR 72-600 will enable Azul to serve even more cities in the vast Brazilian territory, linking smaller communities with major cities with seamless connectivity between our jets and the new ATRs. That allows Azul to gain even more momentum in its fast-paced growth; our customers to benefit from superior service with affordable airfares; and the Brazilian country as a whole, welcoming in many underserved markets this new generation of environmentally friendly, advanced turboprops.

Source : ATR Aircraft - an Alenia Aeronautical and EADS joint venture