The hand-over ceremony of the first new ATR 72-600 today to Air Algerie comes along with another important milestone for ATR celebrating its 200th ATR -600 aircraft delivery.
The delivery marks the start of a new exciting chapter for Air Algerie, as it upgrades its fleet and expands operations.
The first of three ATR 72-600s ordered earlier this year will join an existing fleet of 12 ATR 72-500s currently operating at the airline. The deliveries will continue until June 2016.
“Air Algerie's fleet growth is consistent with the route expansion. It is part of the commitment to support the country's rapidly growing air transport whilst keeping in mind the development strategy of the airline,” Mr Boultif, Chief Executive Officer of Air Algerie said. “The ATR 72-500 aircraft has proven to be extremely efficient in service with Air Algerie and is very much liked by our passengers. We look forward to developing our operations across the region, with the new generation ATR 72-600s”.
"This first ATR 72-600 for Air Algerie is the 200th ATR-600 for ATR. This double milestone marks a strong momentum in our relationship with Air Algerie, one of the fast growing airlines in the region,” said Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that the reliable and proven ATR 72-600 combining the lowest operating costs with the highest levels of passenger comfort, will play a major role in Air Algerie's growth.”
Air Algerie first flew ATRs in 2003 and is today one of the long-term ATR customers in Africa and Middle East.