European regional airline consortium Aero International (Regional) (AI(R)) has signed with AMR subsidiary American Eagle for the purchase of 12 ATR 72-210A turboprops.
The deal is seen as being of significance since it represents the return to favour of the type in North America following a slump in sales after the crash of an American Eagle ATR 72 in October 1994.
The only US order for the aircraft since that accident has been from Continental Airlines, for eight ATR 42s.
Around 50% of AI(R) sales had previously emanated from airlines in North America.
Delivery of the first aircraft is set for July, with remaining deliveries spread out to May 1998. AI(R)says that the deal will ensure that production can be maintained at four aircraft a month. It adds that further orders for seven and two aircraft, from undisclosed customers, will be announced at the Paris air show in June, bringing the total for 1997 to date to 21 aircraft, against just 25 for the whole of 1996, and 15 received in 1995.
The deal is worth more than $200 million, and will bring the total number of ATR 42s and 72s operated by the carrier to 91. American Eagle will retire the remaining 11 Shorts 360s in its fleet. The ATR 72-210 is the most recent development of the original ATR 72-200.
Source: Flight International
