Airbus : Air New Zealand receives its 7th ATR 72-600 at the Paris Air Show

Air New Zealand, one of ATR's largest customers in terms of in-service and on order aircraft, today received its most recent ATR 72-600, continuing on its path of growth of the ATR fleet.

On the occasion of the delivery ceremony, held today at the Paris Airshow, the airline announced as well the purchase of an additional ATR 72-600 aircraft. Since 2011, Air New Zealand has purchased a total of 14 ATR 72-600s. Deliveries of the ATR '-600' aircraft will continue until 2017. Once delivered, Air New Zealand will have 25 ATR aircraft in its fleet, including 11 ATR 72-500s and 14 ATR 72-600s.

The introduction of this additional ATR 72-600 aircraft marks yet another step in Air New Zealand's fleet modernization strategy. The new ATR aircraft will join airline's existing fleet of 6 other ATR 72-600s and 11 ATR 72-500s. The new aircraft will enter service in July across Air New Zealand's regional domestic network.

As with other recent deliveries to Air New Zealand, the 68-seat ATR 72-600 is equipped with the most advanced technology for the aircraft type, including a new glass cockpit avionics suite and updated cabin interiors.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon declared: "The addition of a new ATR aircraft to our fleet forms an essential component of our plan to revamp regional operations aimed at delivering sustainable air services and lower prices for customers. We believe the ATR product is the way forward for us. The aircraft are economical to operate, and provide our customers with a modern, bright and comfortable cabin space."

Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are happy to witness Air New Zealand's tremendous market success. It is a great honor for ATR to contribute to airline's growth and we look forward to fostering this fruitful partnership. Air New Zealand's investment in ATR aircraft is a great endorsement for our ATR aircraft family. The conversion of optional planes into firm orders only reiterates the airline's commitment to operating the most modern, productive and comfortable aircraft."

In recent years, ATR aircraft have become the preferred choice of leading airlines for regional operations all over the world. In Asia Pacific, the fleet of ATRs has tripled within the last decade. Today, there are some 350 ATRs flying in the region.

With nearly 450 ATR aircraft sold and a backlog that exceeds 110, some 350 ATR aircraft are in operation across Asia Pacific.

• Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats
• Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
• Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
• Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
• Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
• Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

Air New Zealand is an international and domestic airline group which provides air passenger and cargo transport services within New Zealand, as well as to and from Australia, the South Pacific, Asia, North America and the United Kingdom.

Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1500 aircraft. With over 25 million flight hours, ATR models equip the fleets of more than 190 airlines in over 90 countries. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and the Airbus Group. Its head office is in Toulouse. ATR is ISO 14001 certified.