Kingfisher signs maintenance deal with ATR

BY A CORRESPONDENT
July 24, 2006

ATR and Kingfisher Airlines announced at the Farnborough Air Show the signature of a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) for spare parts and maintenance services for the ATR 72-500 new aircraft fleet of the airline.

Under this 10-year GMA, ATR will handle the repair of equipment and line replaceable units, plus an inventory of spare parts and engines on lease at Kingfisher premises, as well as the airframe maintenance checks and the maintenance of propellers and landing gears, for a total amount of about $ 50million. Through this agreement, ATR will cover a range of maintenance services for the 35 ATR 72-500s fleet already ordered by Kingfisher.

Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and Managing Director of Kingfisher Airlines, stated: “Kingfisher Airlines is very happy to award ATR this contract. We have ordered 35 ATR 72-500s aircraft from ATR, four of which have already been inducted successfully into our fleet and are servicing key sectors in south India as well as between south and west Indian cities of importance. We have full faith in the ATR management and look forward to a long standing relationship with them”.

Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO, declared: “For ATR, giving an optimal maintenance service to the ATR fleet of the airline is very important. The signature of this Global Maintenance Agreement represents a new step forward of our successful partnership with Kingfisher. Contribute to keep the fleet in the optimal conditions of comfort and modernity is one of the bases of our philosophy ”.

Kingfisher Airlines had placed an order for 20 ATR72-500 Aircraft, at the Dubai Air Show 2005 in a deal valued at US $350 million. But in keeping with its growth plans, placed a fresh order for 15 additional ATR 72-500 Aircraft in a deal valued at US$270 million. The new order was announced by Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, in the presence of French President Jaques Chirac and Mr Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO earlier this year in the month of February. Kingfisher Airlines took delivery of its maiden ATR aircraft in Toulouse on March 30, 2006.

The Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) represents the extensive and flexible maintenance services package ATR offers to the Operators in order to assist them during aircraft operations and reduce maintenance costs. As an aircraft manufacturer ATR has built an unique expertise offering the Customer the most cost efficient solutions to outsource their "on" and "off " aircraft maintenance requirements. The main advantages of GMA are: spares guaranteed availability, maintenance guaranteed prices and simplification through the ATR single channel.

Kingfisher Airlines commenced operations on May 9th, 2005 with a brand new fleet of aircraft. Kingfisher Airlines offers Full Service at True Value and promises an unparalleled experience to the Indian air traveler. On offer are extra-wide seats and spacious legroom, delicious gourmet meals, international-class cabin crew and a whole host of comforts and delights. Kingfisher Airlines also facilitates doorstep delivery of tickets on guest request.

Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 70-seat turboprop market. In 2005, ATR posted a turnover of $542 million, an increase of 15% compared to 2004. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS. ATR is certified ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q 9001:2000 and EN/AS/JISQ 9100, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics.