ATR and Lonrho sign agreement for two additional ATR 72-500s for LCC, Fly540

ATR and the pan-African investing conglomerate, Lonrho, announced the signature by Lonrho’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Lonrho Air, of a MoU for the purchase of two ATR 72-500s. The agreement follows a first order for eight new aircraft, announced in Jan-08. The ten new ATR 72-500s will be deployed by Fly540, an airline belonging to the conglomerate.

 

All the aircraft will be configured with 66 seats, including 12 in first class. 

Lonrho’s Fly540, is developing an expanding aviation network across Africa, and plans to be operating in eight African countries by early in 2008. These new aircraft will allow the airline to continue its rapid expansion to develop its network linking African countries with regional service.

Commenting on the agreement, Lonrho’s Chairman David Lenigas, stated: “We are delighted that we have been able to agree the purchase of a further two new aircraft from ATR which takes the Fly540 fleet to twelve ATRs”. He added: “In conjunction with the roll out of the regional jets to be utilised by Fly540, this aircraft combination allows Fly540 to offer the best standards of customer service and safety at the most economical rates. Modern aircraft and international standards are desperately needed in the African airline sector, and by forward planning with key manufacturers such as ATR, Lonrho can ensure that it can deliver both, and over time, provide much needed international standard aviation services to connect Africa”.

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO expressed “the satisfaction of receiving a second order intake just a few weeks after announcing a first deal. This is a real proof of the confidence of Lonrho in our aircraft and their aim to associate ATR to their ambitious expansion of the air connectivity in Africa”. 

About Lonrho
Lonrho is an expanding conglomerate that is rapidly growing a successful business throughout Africa.  The company is listed on the London AIM stock exchange (LONR). Lonrho is strategically focused on the development of business opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, support services and natural resources. The Company has over 20,000 shareholders and substantial institutional backing to support its mandate to build a profitable business that plays a fundamental role in the development of the African economy.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Premium. Date posted: 07-Feb-08.