TOULOUSE --- The European consortium ATR with head offices in Toulouse (France) and the Italian airline Air Dolomiti based in Verona (Italy), today announce the acquisition of 3 ATR 72-500s. The first aircraft of this order will be delivered in September 2002 with the remaining aircraft to be delivered in 2003.
With this new order Air Dolomiti brings its ATR fleet up to 18 aircraft (10 ATR 42s and 8 ATR 72s), all operated in co-operation with Lufthansa. In 1994 Air Dolomiti signed a partnership agreement with the German airlines that now holds 20% of its capital. This agreement allowed Air Dolomiti to develop its inter-regional network with the ATR fleet devoted to Lufthansa's code-sharing operations and to become a major player in the European air transport market. These aircraft will be put into service on routes in Northern Italy.
"In the turbulence of the present period, regional airlines have to react to the market even faster than before. This additional acquisition confirms the good health of Air Dolomiti, its steady growth and development which is in line with its new business plan as well as the excellent partnership between the manufacturer and the airline" Mr. Leali, President of Air Dolomiti.
Jean-Michel Léonard, Chief Executive Officer ATR, said : "I am extremely pleased with this additional order from our long time customer Air Dolomiti, which is an additional proof of the their satisfaction towards our products. During the current economic downtown, the outstanding economics of the ATR aircraft become even more important to the operators."
