Morocco’s flag carrier Royal Air Maroc has placed an order for two ATR 42-600s and four ATR 72-600s, plus options for two additional ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will be operated by Royal Air Maroc Express, the new regional subsidiary of the airline, which will be launched in summer 2009.
These ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s, configured with 48 and 70-seats respectively, will be equipped with a new Thales avionics suite featuring advanced technologies in navigation aid and communication tools. The aircraft will also be equipped with an enhanced cabin in order to offer higher comfort to the passengers.
Deliveries of the new aircraft will start in spring 2011. Meanwhile, ATR will lease four ATR 72-200s to Royal Air Maroc in order to support the launch of the new subsidiary carrier.
Driss Benhima, president of Royal Air Maroc, declared, “We are proud of launching our new regional subsidiary, Royal Air Maroc Express, which has the support of the Public Authorities in order to provide the country with development tools. 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.”
ATR's CEO, Stéphane Mayer, replied to the praise for his company's products. “We are delighted with the confidence that Royal Air Maroc has put into the ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft when launching its new regional subsidiary” he remarked. “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 consumption 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.”
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