ATR enters the Libyan market with a contract for 2 ATR 42-500s.

Summary: ATR and Libya's flag carrier Libyan Airlines today signed a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 42-500s, which will become the first ATR aircraft to be operated in the country.

ATR and Libya's flag carrier Libyan Airlines today signed a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 42-500s, which will become the first ATR aircraft to be operated in the country. The deal, valued at some US $ 35 million, has been inked on the occasion of the LAVEX Air show, which is currently underway in Tripoli.

The aircraft are configured with 48 seats, and are equipped with new PW 127M engines, while featuring the very latest technological innovations in the field of navigation aid tools and passenger comfort. The aircraft are to be delivered later this year.

Commenting on the deal, Captain Mohamed Ibsem, Chief Executive Officer of Libyan Airlines, declared: "We have decided to purchase the ATR aircraft because of their flexibility to operate in challenging conditions and tough environments, like the ones that can be found at some destinations in the Libyan desert." He added: "Thanks to our brand new ATR 42-500s, we will able to improve the quality of our regular air connectivity to several local communities, thus contributing to strengthen both human and business links in our country."

He concluded: "The operating costs of the ATRs, which are the lowest of the regional market, have also clearly contributed to our choice, as they will enable us to obtain an optimal exploitation, specially on low yield routes".

Jacques Desbarats, Senior Vice-president Commercial of ATR, underlined: "the satisfaction of entering a market which features a strong growth potential for the development of the domestic air connectivity. The ATRs represents the right choice for the type of regional operations of the Libyan flag carrier because of their unrivalled performance in hot environments, low maintenance costs and high dispatch reliability and standards of comfort." He also added: "This order is a demonstration of the strong market for the 50-seat ATR 42-500 aircraft. Today, ATR is the only manufacturer that can offer a true family of both 50-seat and 70-seat aircraft and we believe this is an important feature for our customers."

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