The Russian carrier UTair and Toulouse-based French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR have announced the signing of a $426 million ontract for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-500s.
With the entry into service of these new aircraft, UTair will respond to the increasing market demand for regional connectivity in Russia and also in Ukraine. With the delivery of the new 20 ATR 72-500s, UTair will become the largest operator of ATR aircraft in Europe, with 37 airplanes.
The ATR 72-500 is a twin-engine turboprop short-haul regional airliner weighing 12.95 mt. It can seat up to 74 passengers and is operated by a two-pilot crew.
ATR is a joint venture and equal partnership between major European aerospace companies Italian-based Alenia Aeronautica and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), formerly French company Aérospatiale.