Brazilian regional carrier TRIP has agreed to acquire 18 ATR 72-600s, with options for 22 additional aircraft, in a move that will make the airline the largest ATR operator in the world.
Nine of the 18 aircraft will be purchased directly from ATR, with the remaining to be leased from Air Lease Corporation and GE Capital Aviation Services. The first aircraft will enter into service in October.
"With the entry into service of the 18 firm ATR 72-600s, TRIP will become the largest ATR operator in the world, with a fleet of 51 ATRs. Today's largest ATR fleet, 39 aircraft, is operated in the US by American Eagle," said TRIP and ATR in a joint statement.
TRIP's new aircraft will be configured for 68 passengers and equipped with the latest technology for the aircraft type, including a new "glass cockpit" avionics suite and updated cabin interiors.
The acquisition will help TRIP expand its domestic network and add new destinations, added the carrier.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
