Indian low-cost airline Air Deccan expects to place an order for 30 ATR 72-500s in January, says the carrier's managing director Gorur Gopinath, writes Rob Coppinger.
Speaking at the handover in Toulouse of the first of five ATR 42-500s ordered by the rapidly expanding airline, Gopinath said the larger ATR 72s would be supplied from May next year at a rate of six a year for five years, if the order is finalised.
"We are evaluating the ATR and Bombardier bids. We have to do this for our institutional investors. I am confident ATR will get the contract," says Gopinath.
Air Deccan operates two Airbus A320 twinjets and seven ATR turboprops. Gopinath also spoke of his plans for floating the company within five years, which is a requirement of his investors.
Air Deccan and ATR, meanwhile, are to create a training joint venture company to be based in India. It will offer simulator training to third parties.
Source: Flight International
