UTair inks order for 20 ATR 72-500s

UTair ATR 72-500. Photo: Courtesy, ATR.

Russia's UTair Aviation signed a contract Thursday to purchase 20 ATR 72-500s, valued at $426 million at list prices.  

The carrier said in a statement that it will use the aircraft to "add seat capacity on existing routes and will develop new routes in both" Russia and the Ukraine. Delivery dates were not announced. The aircraft will bring the number of ATR aircraft operated by UTair and subsidiary UTair Ukraine to 37, which would give it Europe's largest ATR fleet, according to ATR.

It operates 12 ATR 42-300s and three ATR 72-200s in Russia, while UTair Ukraine operates two ATR 42-300s.

UTair CEO Andrey Martirosov said, "These aircraft have notably proven their ability to operate reliably and profitably not only in the European environment but in the harsh Siberian conditions." ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato added, "The Russian Federation and the CIS countries are providing us strong commercial opportunities as they expand their regional connectivity. Our aircraft are optimally positioned to face the increasing pressure on airlines' costs."