12:23 am - Monday
"Dubai Air Show": WINGS AIR increases ATR-72/500 order to 15 aircraft
Dubai, UAE - With options for other models in 600 series
(WAPA) - Indonesia’s carrier WINGS AIR, -a subsidiary of Indonesian largest private carrier LION AIR-, and ATR today announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 15 ATR-72/500s, with options for 15 ATR-72/600s series aircraft. This order, which was initially announced in November 2008 as an MoU for 10 firm ATR-72/500s plus options for 10 additional ATR-72/500/600s, has now been increased by 5 firm and 5 option aircraft. The total amount of the agreement, including options, is valued at some US$ 600 million.
These 72-seat aircraft will enable WINGS AIR to become the launch customer for the ATR-72/500s in Indonesia and the largest ATR operator in the country. The aircraft, powered by PW 127M engines, are to be delivered between 2009 and 2011.
The entry into service of these aircraft will also enable WINGS AIR to consolidate its leading position in the rapidly developing domestic market in Indonesia, and to develop feeder routes to serve its mainline jet network. In addition, the new ATR fleet operated by WINGS AIR will also provide new services to local communities that were often not benefitting from regular airline service in the past. The ATR-72/500s operated by WINGS AIR will also replace routes currently operated with MD-80 and B-737/300/400 and increase frequencies on existing routes operated with B-737/900ER.
LION AIR is the Indonesia’s largest private carrier and operates one of the world’s youngest and advanced fleets of the next generation Boeing 737-900ER jet and world’s largest fleet of Boeing 737-900ER. LION AIR was established in October 1999 and started operations on June 30, 2000. WINGS AIR is the sister company of LION AIR and was established in 2002. WINGS AIR predominately operates regional and rural routes and blended in to LION AIR’s network as a feeder airline. (Avionews)
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Direttore Clara Moschini