GE Capital Aviation Services places order for up to 10 additional ATR 72-600s

Today the aircraft financing and leasing company GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and ATR signed a contract for the purchase of 5 firm and 5 optional ATR 72-600 aircraft. The deal is valued at $241 million (USD). Deliveries will commence in 2015. The agreement was signed by Norman Liu, President and CEO of GECAS, and Filippo Bagnato, ATR Chief Executive Officer, at the Dubai International Air Show.

Today’s order from GECAS for up to 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft confirms the increasing role played by the leasing market for financing ATR’s fuel-efficient turboprop airplanes. The new turboprops will benefit from the latest technological developments that distinguish the -600s: a new avionics suite with latest generation glass cockpit, redesigned and stylish cabin interiors, and enhanced engine performance and payload.

“The ATR 72-600 is a key piece of GECAS’s regional aircraft portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft,” Norman Liu said. “We have seen significant market interest in the ATRs and that is why we have added more of them to our portfolio. These aircraft will support the strong growth in regional air transport we anticipate over the coming years.”

“This new GECAS aircraft order underpins continued confidence in ATR products and especially our modern and fuel efficient ATR 72-600. It is a great indicator of the long-term success of our aircraft,” stated Filippo Bagnato, ATR Chief Executive Officer. “We have been building a growing and long-lasting relationship with GECAS and we encourage them to continue investing in ATR aircraft in order to offer their customers the most efficient and reliable airplane.”

With today’s order from GECAS, ATR confirms its success among leasing companies all over the world. Since 2010, lessors have purchased over 100 new ATR-600 aircraft, contributing to ATR’s nearly 75% of total orders of regional aircraft up to 90 seats.