KARACHI, Nov 2: PIA on Wednesday signed an agreement with Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), France for the purchase of seven new ATR42-500 turbo prop aircraft. The agreement was signed by Tariq Kirmani, Chairman & CEO, PIA and Mr Filippo Bagnato, CEO, ATR. The aircraft will replace PIA’s ageing F-27 aircraft fleet operated on socio-economic routes. The 48-seat aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2006 and 2007 with delivery of first aircraft in May 2006. The total value of the contract is approx US$100 million.

ATR42-500 aircraft are equipped with the Multi-Purpose Computer (MPC) and complies with the latest navigation requirements such as Precision Are Navigation (P-RNAV). Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 758 aircraft (398 ATR42s and 360 ATR72s). ATR42-500 aircraft are operated by several airlines around the globe substantiating its triumph as market leader among other turbo prop aircraft.