Air KBZ introduces first ATR – 600 into its fleet

ATR key to Myanmar airline’s fleet expansion and modernization program

Toulouse,  5-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The first ATR 72-600 aircraft was handed over yesterday to Myanmar’s domestic carrier Air KBZ. The Danish finance and leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) is providing financing for the transaction.

The official ceremony which took place at the ATR Delivery Center in Toulouse, France, was attended by senior management from Air KBZ, NAC, and ATR.

NAC has also entered into an agreement with Air KBZ for a second ATR 72-600 aircraft to be delivered in June this year. Air KBZ already operates four ATR 72-500s in Myanmar. Air KBZ is keen to further develop its regional network, adding new routes and frequencies to its domestic and regional markets. This fleet expansion will offer the greatest benefits to airline’s economic performance in the long run due to the fuel-efficient performance and superior comfort standards of the ATR 72-600 aircraft.

These new generation ATRs feature a high comfort layout seating 68 passengers. The spacious and ergonomically designed Armonia cabin offers its passengers new light and slim seats with improved life space, LED mood lighting and wider overhead bins

“We are pleased to welcome the new ATR 72-600 to our already existing young fleet in line with our continued mission to develop and provide superior air transport services that will exceed customer expectations. The ATR -600 series aircraft’s superior operating economics and low fuel consumption, advanced engineering design, low emissions levels and excellent passenger comfort ideally meet our requirement for 70-seat aircraft. The acquisition of these 2 new aircraft via Nordic Aviation Capital is integral to our network expansion from our regional hubs,” added Air KBZ Deputy Managing Director, Mr Khin Maung Myint.

Mats Ericson, NAC Head of Sales for Asia, said “We are delighted to open a new market in Myanmar and to be part of the growth of Air KBZ’s regional network. Myanmar is new emerging market which is quickly becoming an important business center in the South East Asian region and we believe Air KBZ is perfectly placed there. The level of cooperation we have achieved with the airline has been excellent from the outset and we look forward to doing more business together in the future. We are proud to add the Air KBZ name to our long list of satisfied customers.”

“ATR is pleased to celebrate this important moment with Air KBZ and happy to keep on contributing to the growth of this prestigious Asian carrier”, commented ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, Filippo Bagnato. “The new ATR -600s have become very popular in Asia. We expect that the many advantages of these aircraft, especially the low operating costs and excellent performance, will contribute to further expand regional air traffic in Myanmar, a country that is poised for considerable growth and where ATR is already recognized as the preferred regional transport aircraft.”

“Also, we are extremely proud to benefit from the recognition of such a reputed lessor as NAC and we aim to continue increasing this co-operation.” This proves the excellent potential for the ATR -600s – not only here in Asia where there is strong growth, but also with airlines around the world.

About the ATR 72-600:

• Passenger capacity: 68-74 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)

About Air KBZ:

Launched in 2010, Air KBZ is a privately owned Myanmar airline, which launched domestic scheduled services from Yangon, Myanmar on 2 April 2011. The carrier received its first ATR 72-500 aircraft on lease from Nordic Aviation Capital on 28 February 2011 and has now four ATR 72s in service. These aircraft serve over a dozen domestic destinations, as well as selected international routes.

About NAC:

Nordic Aviation Capital was established in Denmark in 1990 and is headquartered in Billund, Denmark. NAC is dedicated to the worldwide sale, purchasing and financing of commercial turboprop and jet aircraft. The organization has over 200 aircraft on lease worldwide and continues to expand its portfolio. The company has regional offices in the US, Ireland, Singapore, France, Canada, Switzerland and United Kingdom, providing aircraft to established carriers such as Garuda, Flybe, Lufthansa, US Airways, TACA, TRIP, Eurolot, airBaltic, Airlinair, Air Nostrum and Widerøe among others.

About ATR:

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 approximately 1,200 aircraft to over 180 operators based in 91 countries. ATR planes have totalled over 21 million flight hours. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and EADS. Its head office is in Toulouse. ATR is ISO 14001 certified. This is the international reference standard in the field of environmental friendliness.

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ATR 72-600, Air KBZ (c) ATR

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