With the purchase of these two 70-seat latest-generation ATRs, the States of Guernsey-owned airline will increase and update its current fleet of 3 ATR 72-200s. Both aircraft will be delivered in 2010 and will be equipped with the “Elegance” cabin as well as the newest technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation tools. Commenting on the announcement, Aurigny Air Services Managing Director Malcolm Hart declared: “We are very satisfied with the service given by our fleet of ATRs since we started flying them in 2003. We look forward to introduce our new ATR 72-500s as they will offer improved passenger comfort, together with low maintenance costs and outstanding economics. This will enable Aurigny Air Services to guarantee to all our passengers and especially the community of Guernsey a great flight experience at affordable fares.”

ATR CEO Stéphane Mayer stated: “We are delighted to see Aurigny Air Services continuing its development with new ATR 72-500s, which is a great mark of appreciation of our products. In addition to the advantages of costs and passenger comfort, the ATR 72 is also the most environmentally friendly aircraft, with the lowest emissions of any 70 seat aircraft.”

Since the beginning of the year, ATR has received orders for 65 new aircraft, some of them not yet unveiled. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 902 aircraft (416 ATR 42s and 486 ATR 72s) and has delivered 733 (394 ATR 42s and 339 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 169 aircraft.

The –500 series: New Generation aircraft
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with jet-like comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006.

About Aurigny Air Services
Aurigny is based in Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands. It operates daily flights to London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, Southampton, Alderney, Jersey and Dinard. The word ‘Aurigny’ comes from the Norman-French name for the island of Alderney where the airline started operations in 1968. Aurigny flew 45,000 passengers in its first year and has flown nearly 10 million passengers since. The airline will be celebrating its 40th birthday next year making it is one of the longest-running regional operators in the world.

About ATR
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. In 2006, ATR posted a turnover of US $ 700 million, an increase of 30% compared to 2005.  ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS.

Source: Avions de Transport Regional (ATR)
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