Bangkok Airways receives first of nine ATR 72-600s on order
Thailand’s “Boutique” carrier strengthens its network with new generation ATRs
Bangkok Airways, ATR’s long-term and loyal customer, today took delivery of its first ATR 72-600 at a special ceremony in Toulouse, France. The handover marked a key milestone in the carrier’s development as it plans to take delivery of nine new ATR aircraft from now until 2017. The new-comer will join Bangkok Airways’ existing fleet of ATR 72-500s and will be operated on the airline’s expanding network of domestic and regional services. .jpg)
The introduction of these new 70-seat ATR 72-600s, the most fuel efficient aircraft in their category, will contribute to Bangkok Airways’ economic performance in the long run as the airline expands its fleet capacity and widens the scope of its activity. These new generation ATRs are equipped with a new full-glass cockpit and feature a high comfort layout with larger overhead bins. The ATR 72-600s are not only known for their reliability and technology but are also the top-selling turboprop aircraft on the market.
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, stated: “Today’s delivery is part of Bangkok Airways’ strategy of matching our growing network and frequency requirements with the right aircraft. Choosing ATR for our regional operations is a logical step. The ATR aircraft has the lowest seat-mile cost in its class, is ideally suited for regional and domestic operations, and enables us to provide the highest level of comfort and service to our customers. By focusing on quality service and comfort, Bangkok Airways does its utmost to ensure the best passenger experience and these improvements on the new ATR 600s’ well in line with this strategy.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR said: “ATR and Bangkok Airways have a very productive and long-term relationship. We are delighted to further contribute to the development of Bangkok Airways, especially in the period of growth for the airline. We are fully confident that the ATR -600s are the best possible aircraft for companies committed to optimizing costs while ensuring a great flight experience for their passengers. These new aircraft will offer superior performance, economics, passenger cabin comfort and in-service reliability”.
There are currently more than 300 ATR aircraft in operation in Asia-Pacific, flying the colors of more than 50 airlines. In recent years, ATR has emerged as the preferred choice of Asian airlines when it comes to regional aircraft. ATR has taken orders for 430 aircraft from airlines in Asia-Pacific since 2005, a figure that accounts for two-thirds of total sales of regional aircraft below 90 seats in the region.
The introduction of these new 70-seat ATR 72-600s, the most fuel efficient aircraft in their category, will contribute to Bangkok Airways’ economic performance in the long run as the airline expands its fleet capacity and widens the scope of its activity. These new generation ATRs are equipped with a new full-glass cockpit and feature a high comfort layout with larger overhead bins. The ATR 72-600s are not only known for their reliability and technology but are also the top-selling turboprop aircraft on the market.
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, stated: “Today’s delivery is part of Bangkok Airways’ strategy of matching our growing network and frequency requirements with the right aircraft. Choosing ATR for our regional operations is a logical step. The ATR aircraft has the lowest seat-mile cost in its class, is ideally suited for regional and domestic operations, and enables us to provide the highest level of comfort and service to our customers. By focusing on quality service and comfort, Bangkok Airways does its utmost to ensure the best passenger experience and these improvements on the new ATR 600s’ well in line with this strategy.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR said: “ATR and Bangkok Airways have a very productive and long-term relationship. We are delighted to further contribute to the development of Bangkok Airways, especially in the period of growth for the airline. We are fully confident that the ATR -600s are the best possible aircraft for companies committed to optimizing costs while ensuring a great flight experience for their passengers. These new aircraft will offer superior performance, economics, passenger cabin comfort and in-service reliability”.
There are currently more than 300 ATR aircraft in operation in Asia-Pacific, flying the colors of more than 50 airlines. In recent years, ATR has emerged as the preferred choice of Asian airlines when it comes to regional aircraft. ATR has taken orders for 430 aircraft from airlines in Asia-Pacific since 2005, a figure that accounts for two-thirds of total sales of regional aircraft below 90 seats in the region.
About the ATR 72-600:
- Passenger capacity: 68 to 74 seats
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
- Maximum takeoff power: 2,750 horsepower per engine
- Maximum takeoff weight: 23,000 kg
- Maximum load: 7,500 kg
- Maximum flight range when fully loaded: 900 nautical miles (1,665 km)
About Bangkok Airways:
Known as “Asia’s Boutique Airline,” Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) – an award winning regional airline, is Thailand’s first private airline that has been providing exceptional comfort and safety to all passengers since 1968.
Bangkok Airways flies travelers from around the world to more than twenty exquisite destinations across Thailand and Asia. Samui, Phuket, Trat (Koh Chang), and the Maldives are amongst the world’s most renowned beach destinations, while Sukhothai, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap (Angkor) are World Heritage sites.
Bangkok Airways flies travelers from around the world to more than twenty exquisite destinations across Thailand and Asia. Samui, Phuket, Trat (Koh Chang), and the Maldives are amongst the world’s most renowned beach destinations, while Sukhothai, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap (Angkor) are World Heritage sites.
ATR PRESS CONTACTS:
- David Vargas
- Tél. : +33 5 62 21 66 14
- david.vargas@atr.fr
- Yevgenia Akinshina
- Tel.: +33 5 62 21 60 61
- yevgenia.akinshina@atr.fr
- Bangkok Airways Press Contact
- Passapong Jirawattanasak
Deputy Manager – Regional & International Corporate Communications
Tel : +6622655670 - passapong@bangkokair.com
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open over 130 new routes every year on average, burn 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.