European turboprop aircraft manufacturer, ATR, has signed its first deal in Japan.
A new Japanese regional carrier called LINK, which will start operations in 2013, has signed a deal to lease three ATR 72-600s.
Announcing the decision, LINK’s CEO Koichi Sugiyama said; “The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified 70-seat aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft.”
Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR, added; “Today is a really important day for ATR. We are entering a new and huge market which may bring us substantial commercial opportunities in a country with some 130 million inhabitants. The introduction of these ATR 72-600s with LINK will give us the opportunity of further consolidating our newest 70-seat aircraft as the reference for regional operations.”
The ATR 72-600 is a regional turboprop aircraft that can carry 68-74 passengers up to 1,665km.
