Airbus Defence and Space delivers first A400M to Spain
November 29, 2016
Aircraft leaves final assembly line at Seville to serve at Zaragoza base
The Spanish Air Force has taken delivery of its first Airbus A400M new generation airlifter – the most advanced aircraft to have been produced in Spain and one which will transform the nation’s air mobility fleet.
Today’s contractual handover of the first of 27 aircraft that it has ordered makes Spain the sixth nation to put the A400M into service.
Representatives of the Spanish Air Force and Ministry of Defence formally accepted the aircraft, known as MSN44, from Airbus Defence and Space in a brief ceremony at the A400M final assembly line (FAL) in Seville.
Airbus Defence and Space Head of Military Aircraft, Fernando Alonso, said: “Today is truly a special day for all of us who have been involved with the A400M programme over the years – but particularly for the Seville workforce that has worked so hard to make the aircraft a reality.
“Every delivery to every customer is of huge importance to us, but being able to hand over the first aircraft to Spain from our final assembly line in Seville is a source of particular pride. I would like to thank all our employees, as well as OCCAR and our Spanish customer for achieving this milestone.”
In Spanish service the A400M will replace the ageing C-130 aircraft type, carrying about twice the load over the same distance, or the same load twice as far. In addition it can serve as a tactical air-to-air tanker for other transport aircraft, including other A400Ms.
Uniquely it is able both to cruise at jet-like speeds and altitudes over intercontinental ranges due to its four extremely powerful engines and advanced aerodynamic design, as well as to operate repeatedly from short and unprepared airstrips close to the scene of military action or humanitarian crisis.
Under an agreement signed in September, 14 aircraft will be delivered at a steady pace between now and 2022, and the remaining 13 are scheduled for delivery from 2025 onwards.
The Spanish A400M fleet will be based at Zaragoza in North East Spain and will represent the heavylift element of a transport force that includes the medium C295 and CN235, and light C212 aircraft – all produced by Airbus Defence and Space. MSN44 will fly to Zaragoza in the coming days.
Altogether more than 1600 employees from Airbus Defence and Space work in Spain for the A400m program, including 1100 working directly at the Seville FAL and nearby Tablada Factory. To date eight nations have ordered 174 aircraft of which 34 have now been delivered.
Synergy Aerospace purchases 12 firm ATR 72-600s for its new Argentinian subsidiary Avian Líneas Aéreas
November 15, 2016
The deal marks the introduction of the ATR -600 series on the Argentinian market
Mexico City, November 15, 2016 – The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the South-American company Synergy Aerospace are pleased to announce an order for the purchase of 12 firm ATR 72-600s, plus 6 options. The aircraft are to be operated by the group’s new subsidiary in Argentina, Avian Líneas Aéreas, branded as Avianca Argentina under a license agreement.
The ATR 72-600s will be configured with 72 seats and feature the most modern standards of performance and passenger comfort. They are the most fuel and eco-efficient aircraft of their category. Launching its operations with the latest-generation ATR 72-600s, Avian Líneas Aéreas will provide an essential service across the Argentinian market, introducing new regional routes and connections to and from main hubs, first in Buenos Aires and then in Córdoba. The first delivery is expected before the end of the year, with entry into service planned for the first quarter of 2017.
Commenting on the deal, Germán Efromovich, Chairman of Synergy Aerospace, declared: “We are excited about the imminent launch of Avian Líneas Aéreas as an Avianca branded airline. We are looking forward to expanding services and linking under-served communities in Argentina thanks not only to a highly efficient and modern ATR 72-600 fleet but also the technical and logistic support of ATR/Airbus stemming from a traditional strong partnership, as well as to broaden and deepen Avianca’s network in South America.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “The introduction of the ATR -600 series in Argentina is a major milestone in our expansion in Latin America. Argentina has great potential for the development of regional air connectivity, and we are pleased to bring the most cost-efficient, modern and comfortable solution to airlines and passengers alike.”
ATR and Synergy Aerospace have been working together closely over the last five years. Synergy Aerospace’s mainly owned subsidiary Avianca Holdings purchased 15 ATR 72-600s in 2012, currently operated by Avianca in Colombia and Central America.
Today’s news follows the announcement of Synergy Aerospace’s proposed strategic investment in the Mexican airline Aeromar, which also involves the acquisition of new ATR aircraft for near-term delivery.
ATR is well established in Latin America and the Caribbean region, with some 160 aircraft operating in the liveries of 30 airlines.
Aeromar signs for 8 firm ATR -600 series aircraft
November 14, 2016
The Mexican carrier will progressively replace and upgrade its current ATR fleet
Mexico City, November 14, 2016 – The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the Mexican carrier Aeromar today signed a contract for the purchase of 8 firm ATR -600 series aircraft (6 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-600s). The deal also includes options for 6 additional ATR 72-600s.
The ATR 42-600s will be configured with 48 seats and the ATR 72-600s will have a capacity of 72 passengers. With the introduction of these latest-generation turboprop aircraft, the airline will progressively replace and upgrade its current fleet, which today includes 9 ATR 42-500s, 4 ATR 42-300s and 2 ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will also enable Aeromar to add passenger capacity to boost a number of main routes and create new connections to its regional network across the country. The first of the new ATR -600s will arrive in December 2016. Aeromar is a long-standing partner of ATR, having been operating ATR aircraft for almost 30 years, since it was founded in 1987.
The cabin of the ATR -600s, designed by the Italian firm Giugiaro, features the most modern standards of passenger comfort, including thinner and lighter seats, LED lighting and new overhead bins with 30% additional storage capacity compared with previous ATR versions.
In terms of eco-efficiency, the ATR 72-600 has the lowest environmental footprint in its category, consuming 40% less fuel than similar sized regional jets, which means a saving of up to 5,000 tons of CO2 per year. The ATR -600s are equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M engines
The new avionics of the ATR -600s, developed by Thales, use the same technologies as in the A380 aircraft, substantially decreasing pilot workload and increasing flight path and approach precision thanks to satellite navigation.
Commenting on the deal, Andrés Fabre, Chief Executive Officer of Aeromar, stated: “The ATR aircraft represent the most cost-effective solution for our short-haul network. With a renewed fleet based upon the ATR -600s, our passengers will experience the most modern standards of comfort and service. We are very pleased to further develop this longstanding and highly successful partnership with ATR. We both share a commitment to safety and the passion for technology with an environmental-friendly conscience”.
Tom Anderson, Senior Vice President Commercial and Customer Support of ATR, declared: “For almost 30 years Aeromar has been providing an essential service across Mexico, linking communities and contributing to the development of regional economies. We are proud that the progressive introduction of the new and eco-efficient ATR -600s will enable the airline to continue delivering its passengers the highest quality of service on each and every flight.”
As of today, some 160 ATR aircraft fly over Latin America and the Caribbean under the liveries of 30 airlines. The number of ATRs operating in the region has doubled over the last decade.
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