LIAT becomes new ATR customer in the Caribbean region
January 17, 2013
Antigua & Barbuda’s carrier orders 3 ATR 42-600s to start replacement of former turboprops.
ATR aircraft once again proven to be the preferred option for inter-island operations worldwide
ATR and the Caribbean carrier Leeward Islands Air Transport Services (LIAT) today announced the signature of an agreement for the purchase of a total of three 48-seats ATR 42-600s. The deal also includes options for two 68-seat ATR 72-600, and is valued at over US$ 100 million. LIAT will take delivery of their very first ATR 42-600 in June 2013.
With the arrival of these aircraft from ATR, plus additional ATR -600s under discussion from leasing companies, LIAT will progressively replace its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft. The airline currently operates a fleet of 14 aircraft over its Caribbean network, which includes main hubs at Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad, and destinations –among others-, in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St.Marteen, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique St.Lucia and St.Vincent.
This deal demonstrates again that the ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft family is the preferred option for inter-island operations worldwide due to their unrivalled economic performance on shorter routes and their ability to operate into small, short airfields. Today, ATR aircraft are successfully operated in archipelagos like French Polynesia, the Philippines, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Maldives and the Caribbean region, as well as in countries with important amount of inter-island operations, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. LIAT will benefit from the very low operating and maintenance costs of the new ATR -600 series aircraft.
Commenting on this new contract, Ian Brunton, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, declared: “We are pleased to become a new member of the ATR family and to start operating aircraft which have largely proven their efficiency and performances on the type of routes we propose. The aircraft of our modern fleet will feature the most advanced cabin interiors and standards of comfort, while being extremely respectful of the environment, a matter of considerable concern to us at LIAT”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “The ATR -600 series aircraft perfectly match the requirements of the airlines operating inter-island flights. Their outstanding performance and reliability on this type of routes clearly explains their success in recent years in the Caribbean region, where we have sold new ATR -600s to a number of airlines. We are honoured to see that LIAT, after a thorough and rigorous evaluation, has chosen to switch to ATR -600s and benefit from the many advantages of the most modern family of regional aircraft in the market”.
AVIANCA AND TACA ORDERS 15 ATR 72-600S
December 12, 2012
The deal with the major Latin American aviation group includes 15 options
European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and Latin American aviation group AviancaTaca Holding are pleased to announce the signature of a major contract for the purchase of 15 ATR 72-600s, plus options for 15 additional aircraft. The deal, including the options, is valued at close to US$ 700 million. Avianca and Taca recently made its final choice after an exhaustive evaluation of all the competing alternatives, opting for the ATR 72-600 to provide the best overall solution. The deliveries of the firm aircraft will start in June 2013.
AviancaTaca is one of the largest and fastest growing aviation groups in Latin America. It currently operates a combined fleet of more than 150 aircraft, the second largest fleet in Latin America. The group serves more than 100 destinations in Latin America, US, Canada, Caribbean region and Europe, and has 4 major hubs in Bogota, San Salvador, Lima and San José de Costa Rica.
With the introduction of their fleet of 15 brand new 72 seats ATR 72-600, AviancaTaca will progressively replace their Fokker 50s and ATR 42s currently in operation. Avianca will fly the new ATR 72-600s to destinations like Barrancabermeja, Florencia, Manizales, Neiva, Pasto, Popayán, Tumaco and Yopal, in Colombia. Taca will fly the aircraft to Guatemala city and Flores (Guatemala), Tegucigalpa, Roatán andSan Pedro Sula (Honduras), San Salvador (El Salvador), Managua (Nicaragua), and San José and Liberia (Costa Rica). The ATR 72-600s will also provide passengers with stylish cabin interior designs and the most modern standards of comfort.
Commenting on the deal, Mr Fabio Villegas Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer of AviancaTaca, declared: “With the introduction of these new 72-seat ATR 72-600s, we reemphasize our commitment to the connectivity within the regions in Colombia and Central America. The selected aircraft will enable us to increase our capacity in regional routes, further enhance our network and propose the highest standards of comfort to our passengers”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “This is indeed a major contract for ATR as we are signing with a well-reputed and leading-edge air transportation provider in the Americas. We are proud to be a part of the expansion of AviancaTaca. At the same time, we are pleased of renewing a longstanding relationship that dates back over 15 years with TACA Regional, and to further increase the presence of the new ATR 72-600s in the whole of Latin America. Our aircraft have experienced an outstanding success in this region in recent years due to their flexibility and low operating costs”.
ATR has some 150 aircraft currently flying with Latin American airlines’ liveries, plus some 50 additional aircraft to be delivered in the region. ATR is experiencing an outstanding success in Latin America. This success highlights the suitability of the ATR aircraft for the regional operations in a very dynamic market with still strong untapped potential.
AVIANCATACA HOLDING S.A. EARNS NET PROFIT OF USD 56.3 MILLION
November 21, 2012
This figure is 14.8% higher in comparison to the same period for the previous year
During the third quarter of 2012, AviancaTaca Holding S.A, (BVC: PFAVTA) reported operating income of US$1.1075 billion. This is equivalent to an increase of 8.1% with respect to the same period of 2011, removing the non-recurring revenue for expired tickets recorded in the third period of 2011.
Operating profit reached US$116.6 million. On the other hand, the EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and airplane rental) recorded for the period was US$226.4 million.
Net profits for the third quarter of 2012 rose to USD 56.3 MILLION, 14.8% higher than the profit recorded for the same period in 2011.
Capacity measured in ASK (Available Seats per Kilometer) increased by 10.3% in the third quarter as a result of the growth and consolidation strategy of the four (4) connecting hubs (Bogotá, Lima, San Salvador and San José in Costa Rica). The company opened five (5) new routes during this period, along with additional flights to existing routes in South America.
Passenger traffic measured in RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometer) rose 9.1% in the third quarter, whereas the load factor reached 81.8%. Cost per available seat kilometer, excluding fuel costs (CASK ex Fuel), declined by 6.0%.
During the third quarter, the company announced that it will be adopting the Avianca brand name for all of the group’s airlines, which will take effect during 2013. In the same manner, in compliance with its fleet renovation and modernization plan, five aircraft were incorporated into the fleet during the quarter: one (1) Airbus A330, two (2) Airbus A319, and two (2) Airbus A320.
Interjet signs purchase agreement for 40 A320neo
November 13, 2012
Mexican airline latest in Latin America to select world’s best selling aircraft
Mexican low-cost carrier and all-Airbus operator Interjet signed a purchase agreement for 40 A320neo aircraft. Interjet will announce the aircraft’s engine selection at a later date. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit for Interjet’s fleet of 36 A320s. Later this month, Interjet will receive an additional A320 aircraft.
In only seven years of operations, Interjet has become a leading domestic airline in Mexico, having quickly expanded their network throughout the country and into the United States, Central America and the Caribbean. The new A320neo will support their continued network expansion and fleet renewal plans. Interjet has a backlog of 45 A320 Family aircraft, including today’s order.
“Adding the newest aircraft technology to our already young and efficient A320 fleet will allow us to operate some of the most cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly equipment available in aviation,” said Interjet Chairman Miguel Aleman Velasco.
“The A320neo will help Interjet maintain our leading position in Mexico’s airline business,” said Interjet President Miguel Alemán Magnani.
“This order solidifies an already strong partnership with one of Mexico’s leading airlines. It also reinforces Latin America’s growing trend of operating some of the world’s youngest and most efficient aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Interjet will be one of the first airlines in the region to operate the A320neo and to benefit from the 15 percent reduction in fuel burn it delivers.”
To date, more than 8,600 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,300 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo, with almost 1,500 firm orders from more than 30 customers since its launch, is the fastest selling commercial aircraft ever and is on track to enter service from 2015.
With more than 700 aircraft sold and a backlog of almost 350, over 450 Airbus aircraft operate throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.
Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.
JetBlue and World Fuel Services Join ALTA
August 13, 2012
Miami (August 13, 2012) – JetBlue Airways and World Fuel Services were welcomed in recent days as the two newest Members of ALTA, the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association, which is dedicated to promoting a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly industry in the region. This brings the total number of Member airlines based in Latin America, the Caribbean and around the world, to forty-two.
Alex de Gunten, Executive Director of ALTA, commented about JetBlue´s entry into the association as an Associate Member, “JetBlue´s commitment to customer service and cost efficiencies is an important contribution to the competitiveness of our industry. Becoming an ALTA member also speaks to JetBlue´s recognition of the growth and relevance of the Latin American and Caribbean market in aviation today and for decades to come.”
“Joining ALTA is right in line with our focus on growth in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, where almost a third of our capacity lies,” said Dave Barger, JetBlue’s president and CEO. “Our commitment to the environment and our strict cost discipline are very much in line with ALTA’s mission. We look forward to collaboration with an eye towards increased efficiency and harmonization in the industry.”
Alex de Gunten also commented on World Fuel Services’ new status as an Affiliate Member, “I am also extremely pleased with World Fuel Services´s joining ALTA”, said de Gunten. “This organization is a respected global leader in fuel logistics. ALTA welcomes WFS´s contribution to the Association and to the regional industry on an area of such magnitude to aviation as is fuel.”
SuperJet International’s pilots receive SSJ100 Type Rating Certification from EASA
July 3, 2012
SuperJet International Training Organization achieved the Type Rating Certification on the SSJ100 (RRJ95B) issued by EASA.
Four SJI pilots – instructors and examiners – are the first western pilots to obtain the Type Rating to fly the SSJ100 aircraft in the countries recognized by EASA airworthiness regulations.
The Certification represents an important milestone for the SSJ100 program which can now benefit from this additional training qualification confirmed by the European Airworthiness and Safety Agency. Now SJI Training organization is able to extend the SSJ100 training to pilots licensed in those countries recognized by EASA rules.
During their professional careers Capt. Agostino Frediani, Capt. Carlo Occhiato, Capt. Alberto Zucconi Galli Fonseca and Capt. Luciano Fornari flew a total of over 50.000 flight hours and made 5.000 hours of simulator training.
The Type Rating has been issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and follows the SSJ100 (RRJ95) Type Certificate by EASA.
SuperJet International Aviation Training Center in Moscow has been approved by the Russian Authority RosAviaciya, in accordance with the Russian Federal Aviation Order 23, in January 2012 and it is currently providing training on SSJ100 type to aviation and maintenance personnel.
SuperJet International’s Flight Training Organization counts on 15 pilots: 2 test pilots acting as TRI/TRE (Type Rating Instructor), 4 TRI/TRE (Type Rating Examiner), 5 TRI, 4 SFI (Synthetic Flight Instructor).
Up to date over 100 pilots of both Aeroflot and Armavia airlines completed the training courses at the SJI Training Centers.
These courses, provided in English and Russian, were managed by SJI’s international and professional team coming from different countries (Italy, Russia, Lithuania, USA and Germany), who proactively participated in the lessons. The Training programs were accomplished by using temporarily a flight Training Device (FTD) and since November 2011 a Full Flight Simulator level C available at the TC of Zhukovsky, Moscow.
SuperJet International, which is in charge of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) sales and marketing in the Western markets, is also responsible for training and after-sales support all over the world. Given the international nature of the product, SuperJet International has established two facilities based in Venice and in Moscow for its training opportunities.
AVIANCATACA RECORDS A 10.2% INCREASE IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC
June 28, 2012
During May 2012, the subsidiary companies of AviancaTaca Holding S.A. transported 1.8 million passengers, an increase of 10.2% compared to the same period of 2011, while total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased 9.6%. Total load factor during May was 76.5%.
Domestic markets: Colombia, Peru and Ecuador
In May, the number of passengers transported by the subsidiary companies of AviancaTaca Holding S.A. in domestic markets increased 15.3% and capacity, measured in ASKs, increased 19.1% compared to the same period of 2011. Domestic load factor during May climbed to 77.7%, an improvement of 0.8 percentage points compared to the year-earlier period.
International Market
In May, the number of passengers transported by the subsidiary companies of AviancaTaca Holding S.A. in international markets increased 3.9% and capacity, measured in ASKs, increased 7.5% compared to the same period of 2011. International load factor during May was 76.2%.
January-May 2012: Avianca & TACA transported more than 9 million passengers
Avianca, TACA and their subsidiary airlines which comprise AviancaTaca Holding S.A. transported a total of 9,044,906 passengers in the domestic (Colombia, Perú and Ecuador) and international routes in January-May 2012, representing a 14.2% increase in total passengers transported compared to the same period of the previous year.
New CAE A320 simulator at Airbus Training Centre in Miami is ready for training
May 25, 2012
A new CAE 7000 Series Airbus A320 full-flight simulator (FFS) at the Airbus Training Centre in Miami, Florida USA is ready for training, qualified to FAA Level D Part 60 requirements by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The CAE-owned FFS also meets the requirements of the latest Airbus Standard 1.7 and features a third-generation CAE TroposTM-6000 visual system. The simulator is part of the Airbus-CAE Training Services Cooperation, a joint global network of training centres with the largest fleet of FFSs for Airbus aircraft types, standardized courseware and expert instructors.
Brazil’s Passaredo Linhas Aéreas introduces ATR 72-600 into its fleet
May 22, 2012
The airline will operate a total fleet of 14 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 72-500s
Brazilian carrier Passaredo Linhas Aéreas today introduced the new ATR 72-600 into its fleet. The airline and the US-based leasing company Air Lease Corporation (ALC) have entered into an agreement for the introduction of four ATR 72-600s, and today took delivery of the very first of these aircraft at the ATR facilities in Toulouse, France.
On the occasion of this delivery ceremony, ATR and Passaredo officially unveiled as well that they signed a contract for the purchase of ten ATR 72-600s plus ten options, valued at some US$ 450 million. The airline will introduce the four ATRs leased from ALC and the ten firm aircraft booked with the aircraft manufacturer progressively in 2012, 2013 and 2014, thus bringing to 14 its total fleet of ATR 72-600s. In addition to this fleet of ATR 72-600s, Passaredo will also start operating this year two leased ATR 72-500s.
With the arrival of these new 70-seat ATRs, Passaredo will progressively add passenger capacity and substantially reduce seat-costs on its regional network. The airline will benefit from its Interline Agreement with Brazil’s leading aviation group GOL and will further develop its regional network with the introduction of new routes across the country.
Commenting on the introduction of these aircraft, Steven Udvar-Hazy, Chief Executive Officer of ALC, declared: “We are pleased to add Passaredo to our growing list of customers. Out of a total of twelve ATR 72-600s ordered from ATR since July 2010, we have already placed ten with Brazilian carriers. This is clearly underlining the dynamism of the Brazilian market and that ATRs perfectly match the requirements of the regional operators in Brazil. We are convinced that, due to their strong and increasing attractiveness among regional carriers around the world, the new ATRs will keep providing us with substantial business opportunities in the near future”.
Luiz Felicio, President of Passaredo Linhas Aéreas, declared: “The ATR aircraft is proving itself as the right tool for regional operations in Brazil, as it combines highly reliable performance at small airfields and short runways with the highest standards of passenger comfort and very limited environmental footprint. Both from a cost and modernity perspective, the ATR 72-600 aircraft is definitely the best suited regional aircraft for short-haul operations in Brazil”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “We are experiencing an extraordinary success in Brazil, where we have booked orders with regional carriers for some 50 ATRs within the last couple of years. This growth of regional operations in Brazil is also creating business opportunities for leasing companies that have invested in the ATR product. Lessors’ interest in ATRs is dramatically increasing. In 2011, the best commercial year for ATR, leasing companies represented more than 20% of the total aircraft sales”.
ATR is well established in Latin America and the Caribbean region, with more than 130 aircraft flying in the livery of 29 operators, including more than 60 aircraft currently being operated in Brazil. Within the next three years, the number of ATRs flying in Brazil will grow beyond 100 aircraft.
ATR: 1,000 aircraft delivered
May 3, 2012
This success confirms the predominance of ATR and its turboprop technology in regional aviation
ATR marked an important stage in its history today with the delivery of its 1,000th aircraft, an ATR 72-600 which will be decked out in the colors of the Spanish airline Air Nostrum, which has a commercial agreement with Iberia. This delivery symbolizes the success and sustainability of the ATR program and the ATR 42 and ATR 72 family of aircraft. ATR, which delivered its very first ATR 42 on December 3rd, 1985 to the French airline Air Littoral, today joins the exclusive ranks of aircraft manufacturers having delivered 1,000 planes.
The delivery of this aircraft, which is configured for 72 passengers and powered by two PW127M turboprop engines, took place in Toulouse and was attended by many of the world leaders in aerospace, including the CEOs of the EADS and Finmeccanica groups, Louis Gallois and Giuseppe Orsi respectively.
“Today, ATR planes are present in over 90 countries and are flown by 180 airlines. Few programs can boast such a global presence”, said Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “Over the years, ATR aircraft have established themselves as the benchmark in regional aviation on all continents. We are very proud of the resilience that ATR has demonstrated since the launch of the program. The perseverance, the unfailing commitment to our turboprop aircraft and their many benefits for regional airlines are what allow us to celebrate the 1,000th delivery today, and these same qualities will continue to provide us with opportunities in the years to come.”
Since the recovery of the turboprop market in 2005, ATR has recorded almost half of all of its orders and delivered nearly a third of its aircraft. In 2011, a record year for the Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer which posted 157 firm sales, ATR represented over 80% of international sales of regional aircraft with 90 seats or less.
Concerning these figures, Filippo Bagnato added: “The trend in regional aviation shows an increasingly pronounced predominance of turboprop technology in the 90-seat or less aircraft segment. Turboprops and ATR planes in particular, are also the best suited aircraft to meet the increasing environmental requirements of airlines and passengers.” And he concluded: “We would also like to thank all of our customers and ATR operators who, from the launch of the program, have placed their trust in us and who enable us today to look ahead to new, ever more ambitious opportunities.”
ATR aircraft offer some of the lowest fuel consumption rates and operating costs among all regional aircraft, for both jets and turboprops combined. The new -600 series ATR aircraft, like the one delivered today, are equipped with all the latest innovations in terms of passenger comfort, featuring, in particular, the Armonia cabin which was recently recognized at the “Good Design Awards” in Chicago. They are also equipped with a new glass cockpit avionics suite integrating all the latest tools in terms of navigational aids.
Certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2011, the ATR “-600s” have become the new regional benchmark in terms of modernity, comfort and savings, thus further confirming the predominant trend of ATR planes worldwide.
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