WINGS AIR introduces First ATR 72-500s to Indonesia

ATR Regional Aircraft and Indonesia?s WINGS AIR - a regional subsidiary of the nation?s largest private carrier LION AIR - celebrated the introduction of the first three ATR 72-500s to the fast-growing Indonesian market. The delivery of these aircraft follows the signing last year of a contract for the purchase of 15 ATR 72-500s, plus options for 15 ATR 72-600s, valued at some US $ 600 million, options included. The introduction of these first three ATR 72-500s was celebrated with a ceremony that took place in Manado, a growing tourism and diving destination, and was officially launched by His Excellency, Freddy Numberi, Indonesian Minister of Transportation, and SH Sarundajang, Governor of North Sulawesi.

The aircraft, configured with 72 seats and powered with Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, are equipped with a cabin featuring the most modern standards of passenger comfort, as well as with the most updated navigation technologies.

With the introduction of its new fleet of ATR 72-500s, WINGS AIR will consolidate its leading position in the domestic market in Indonesia, develop feeder routes to the main hubs and expand its network to remote areas of the country which were not benefiting from regular airline connectivity in the past.

The ATR 72-500s operated by WINGS AIR will also replace routes currently operated with MD 80 aircraft and increase frequencies on existing routes operated with Lion Air B-737-900ER jets. The remaining 12 firm ATR 72-500s will be introduced progressively during 2010 and 2011.

Commenting on the ceremony, Rusdi Kirana, Chairman of WINGS AIR and Chief Executive Officer of LION AIR, stated: ?We are proud of being the first to introduce the ATR 72-500 in Indonesia, an aircraft reputed worldwide for its reliability and comfort. Our new fleet of ATRs will also enable us to optimise our operating costs on the regional network, and therefore we will be able to propose very competitive fares to our passengers.? He added: ?We are glad to invite them to discover the new ATR experience, and we are delighted to contribute to the expansion of the air connectivity to some remote areas of the country, while participating in the development of tourism and business.? Mr. Kirana also underlined ?the large support network of ATR in Asia, as a key factor of our decision of introducing the ATRs into the fleet of WINGS AIR?.

St?phane Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: ?We are honoured to be associated with the expansion plans of WINGS AIR, a leading airline which focuses on modernity, high technology and reliability for the development of its operations. The introduction of the ATR ?-500s series? in Indonesia is also an important step in the consolidation of our strong presence in Asia, as this is a very dynamic market with a solid potential for regional growth.? He added: ?The ATRs are optimally suited for regional operations in the country. WINGS AIR will benefit from the many advantages of our aircraft, as proved performance on short runways, the lowest fuel consumption of regional aviation, easy maintenance and optimal profitability on low-yield routes.? He concluded: ?We will be pleased to provide WINGS AIR with all our support and expertise for ensuring a successful deployment of their brand new ATR 72-500 fleet.? 

Sourced = The e Travel Blackboard