CONTINENTAL EXPRESS has ordered eight Aero International (Regional) ATR 42-500s and taken options on a further 12 aircraft, at an estimated cost of $260 million.
The order follows a barren spell for ATR in its most lucrative market since the highly publicised crash of an American Eagle ATR 72-200 in October 1994.
The US carrier is believed to be continuing negotiations with airframe manufacturers on a possible order for a large number of turboprops in the 30- to 33-seat class. It already has 13 19-seat Beech 1900Ds on order.
ATR deliveries will begin in May. The sale represents the first order for the -500 in the USA. The growth-model ATR 42 includes increased speed, greater passenger comfort and improved economics. It is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW27E turboprops driving six-bladed Hamilton Standard 568F propellers.
Continental Express will base the aircraft at its Houston, Texas hub. The subsidiary of Continental Airlines has operated ATR 42s since 1988.
The commuter carrier operates 38 ATR 42s, three ATR 72s, 32 Embraer EMB-120s and eight Beech 1900s.
A single ATR 42-300 has been contracted by Hondurean carrier Islena Airlines, bringing the total order book for the ATR family to 493 (316 ATR 42s and 177 ATR 72s), of which 456 have been delivered. Firm sales for the ATR 42-500 stand at 33 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
