ATR 72-210, (registration F-WWLI) with PIA logo stickers visited Pakistan in the middle of 1990s for evaluation flights - Abbas Ali Collection
Newly acquired ATR-42-500 aircraft begins operations
KARACHI, June 10 (APP): The newly acquired 45-seat ATR-42-500 aircraft, replacing the age-old Fokkers which served PIA for over four decades, Saturday started operating on Karachi-Gwadar-Muscat route.
The inaugural flight of the new aircraft inducted into PIA fleet was seen off at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport by Chairman & CEO PIA, Tariq Kirmani The aircraft was full to capacity and Kirmani bade farewell to each passenger with a gift to make their inaugural flight memorable for them.
PIA’s all the Senior Vice-Presidents and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Fokkers are now being gradually phased out of service with the induction of ATRs.
Talking to media representatives Tariq Kirmani said that after induction of seven ATRs, PIA will acquire two 76-seater ATR-72s.
He informed that three Boeing 777 aircrafts will join PIA fleet in December 2006 and in January and February 2007 respectively.
The induction of new aircraft were required in order to remain competitive and provide for the comfort and convenience of the passengers, he pointed out.
PIA had signed an agreement to purchase seven new ATR-42-500 aircraft from Avions de Transport Regional (ATR). ATR is a joint venture between France-based European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and Italy’s Alenia Aeronautica with each having a 50% share in the ATR program.
ATRs, like Fokkers, are also a twin engine turbo prop but incorporate latest avionics and is powered by PW127E engines made by Pratt & Whitney, Canada.
PIA’s ATR fleet will be configured in two class with 10 Economy plus seats and 38 Economy class seas.
The first ATR42-500 aircraft delivered to PIA had arrived Pakistan June 2 and delivery of remaining six aircraft will be completed by May 2007.
The ATR-42 made its first flight in August 1984 and the first aircraft was delivered in December 1985. In 1988, ATR launched he stretched version of its ATR42 series in the form of ATR72, with the first ATR72 delivery in 1989.
Since the launch of the programme, a total of 803 ATR aircraft have been ordered (398 ATR 42s and 405 ATR 72s). The deliveries stand at a total of 692 (383 ATR 42-500 and 309 ATR 72-500).
Region-wise North America has an ATR fleet of 203, South America 43, Europe 263, Africa & Middle East 57 and Asia pacific 126, thus today a total of 692 ATR’s are on flying.
PIA selected ATR-42-500 after evaluating all the aircraft types available in similar category and made its choice after taking into consideration passenger comfort and operating economics as well as its performance for flying to/from the hot and high airfields.
The first ATR-42-500 aircraft will be based in Karachi and PIA plans to operate it to Makran Coast, Southern Punjab and Gulf (Sharjah and Muscat from Gwadar).
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
