RAM signs for six ATR turboprops

Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc has signed an order with European turboprop manufacturer ATR for the sale of two ATR-42-600s and four ATR 72-600s with options for two more 72-600s.

The aircraft will be operated by Royal Air Maroc Express a new regional subsidiary that will launch in the summer this year.

The aircraft will be configured with 48 and 70 seats for the 42 and 72s respectively. Deliveries of the new aircraft are set to start in the early half of 2011 and in the interim ATR will lease Royal Air Maroc four ATR 72-200s to support the launch of the Express carrier.

Driss Benhima president of Royal Air Maroc said: “We decided to launch a call for tender for new turboprop aircraft and according to the results of our technical, economical and exploitation studies, the ATR ‘-600 series’ have proved to be the right choice. We are proud of launching our new regional subsidiary, Royal Air Maroc Express, which will count with the support of the Public Authorities in order to provide the country with development tools. The airline will also provide new air connectivity to the regions, enabling them to reinforce their appeal and helping them to promote inland tourism. The launch of this new airline also focuses on the ability to offer our fellow citizens new aircraft with appropriate timetables and frequencies, thus contributing to create new development dynamics within our domestic aviation market.”

Driss Benhima (left), president of Royal Air Maroc, and Stéphane Mayer, ATR chief executive

He added: “We are very proud of being the first carrier in the Mediterranean region to introduce the new ATR ‘-600 series’ in our fleet and to be able to offer our passengers aircraft featuring the most advanced technologies, both in comfort and performance. The ATR ‘-600 series’, which features the lowest CO2 emissions per passenger, is the ‘greenliner’ aircraft of the regional aviation, and will allow us to contribute to the respect of the environment.”

Stephane Mayer ATR’s chief executive said: “We are delighted of the confidence that Royal Air Maroc has put into the ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft when launching their new regional subsidiary. The ATR ‘600s’, with their improved performances, especially in hot and high conditions, will provide a strong support to the airline when developing its regional network. With their very low fuel consuming and unbeatable operating costs, the newest generation of ATRs will allow Royal Air Maroc to get an optimal profitability, while contributing to a sustainable development.

“We are proud of associating the ATR ‘-600s’ to one of the most important and respected carriers of Africa, reputed for its excellence and its very high quality service.”

ATR 72-600 in Royal Air Maroc colours