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Nordic Aviation Capital leases milestone 1,000th ATR aircraft

Direct News Source

03-May-2012 Arranges sale and leaseback arrangement with Air Nostrum

Nordic Aviation Capital, the biggest lessor of ATR aircraft, is proud to be the owner of the 1,000th aircraft off the Toulouse production line which is being formally handed over to Spanish regional carrier Air Nostrum today - Thursday, 3rd May. The ATR72-600 is the first of its type in NAC's 100-plus ATR portfolio.

NAC won a fiercely contested RFP from Air Nostrum to transact the aircraft in September last year. NAC's renowned strength as industry leader in the acquisition and leasing of regional aircraft and its longevity in the market, versus other big name competitors, were key drivers in its selection as sales and lease back partner. NAC Chairman Martin Moller, Chief Commercial Officer Jim Murphy and VP Commercial Enrique Abeledo join ATR President Filippo Bagnato, EADS CEO Louis Gallois, CEO of Finmeccanica, Giuseppe Orsi, senior representatives from Air Nostrum and ECA, together with international industry guests at the milestone handover.

"We congratulate ATR on the success and ongoing popularity of the ATR programme, which continues to improve and evolve with its optimum operating economics. We are duly delighted to play a part in the handover of this 1,000th aircraft - to one of Europe's most prominent regional carriers," said NAC Chairman Martin Moller.

Billund, Denmark-headquartered NAC secured financing for the first of five ATR72-600s, all destined for the Iberia-backed regional carrier, from Deutsche Bank AG and KfW IPEX-Bank under a sale and lease back arrangement. Delivery of the remaining aircraft will follow from the end of May through to the end of July.

NAC has been leasing ATR aircraft since 2003. Its faith in the ATR family was further underlined when it placed an order for ten new ATR72-600s, plus options on a further 10 at the Paris Air Show in June last year, scheduled for delivery from December 2012. Also in December it inked an order for two ATR72-500s, boasting its total ATR portfolio to 103 aircraft.

Today, NAC has 31 ATR42s and 55 ATR72s operating around the world with leading carriers such as Lufthansa Regional Air Dolomiti, American Eagle, TRIP of Brazll, Air Arann, TACA and SATENA.