Air Dolomiti has secured a deal with ATR which will allow it partially to modernise its fleet, and provide flexibility to expand when the market recovers.
The Italian regional airline has placed a $51.6 million order for three ATR 72-500s, with the first aircraft due for delivery in September and the other two in 2003. The deal includes a sale and lease back package for two of the 10 ATR 42-500s it now operates, which will remain in service until the delivery of the ATR 72s and could then be returned to ATR. However Air Dolomiti has the right to retain the ATR 42-500s in service if needed.
Air Dolomiti, which is a Lufthansa partner, currently operates 18 aircraft, with its fleet comprising 15 ATRs and three Bombardier CRJ200s. The carrier plans to expand its fleet to 27 aircraft in the next three years.
This year, the airline is aiming to increase revenues to €250 million ($220 million) from €130 million in 2001, and carry 1.6 million passengers. Last year, it reported an operating profit of around €6.5 million and a sharp increase in passenger traffic despite the effects of the economic slowdown.
Source: Flight International
