Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago W.I. – On January 26, 2011 Caribbean Airlines signed the official purchase agreement with Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) for the purchase of nine (9) ART -72- 600 aircraft.
The deal was finalised at an official signing ceremony which took place at the offices of the Ministry of Works and Transportation in Port-of-Spain Wednesday afternoon.
In attendance were the Minister of Works and Transport, the Honourable Jack Warner, Caribbean Airlines Chairman George Nicholas III, Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Robert Corbie and ATR representatives.
ATR has today more than 160 aircraft in operation and on order, with nearly 30 airlines in the Caribbean and Latin American region. It is the only aircraft manufacturer to offer and support new 50 seat and 70 seat aircraft. “The new Caribbean Airlines’ ATR aircraft will exceed passenger expectations,” declared Chairman of Caribbean Airlines Mr. George Nicholas. “The new cabins have ten percent more room in the overhead bins, in-flight entertainment and a new LED lighting system with a warmer atmosphere and a lower maintenance cost.”
Mr. Nicholas also explained that Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica will be making greater efforts at regional travel. “Consumers can look forward to a choice in air travel with competitive schedules, fares in the next few days. We look forward to serving those destinations we have previously served with our new commitment to efficiency, on time performance, and true customer service. We are the airline of the Caribbean.”
– (Seated) Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Mr. Robert Corbie signs the purchase agreement for 9 aircraft with ATR whilst Mr. Gilles Collaveri Director of ATR looks on. (Standing from left to right) Mr. Massimo Bruno, Director Latin America ATR stands together with the Minister of Works and Transport the Honourable Jack Warner and Caribbean Airlines Chairman Mr. George Nicholas III.
Delivery of the first Caribbean Airlines ATR 72-600 aircraft is carded for October 2011 with the airline wet leasing two similar type aircraft in the interim which will be used primarily to service the domestic airbridge. Six of the aircraft will have forward loading passenger entry doors whilst the remaining three aircraft will have rear loading doors.
