Myanmar’s Air KBZ receives first ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft

Myanmar-based carrier Air KBZ has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600 jetliner from European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR.

Air KBZ has funded for the new twin-engine turboprop airliner through an agreement with Danish finance and leasing firm Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).

In addition, it also entered into an agreement with NAC for a second ATR 72-600 aeroplane, which is scheduled to be delivered in June.

The airline plans to use the new jetliners to further develop its regional network by adding new routes and frequencies to its domestic and regional markets.

It already operates four ATR 72-500s in its fleet.

ATR stated that this fleet expansion would offer long-term economic benefits to Air KBZ in the due to the fuel-efficient performance and comfort standards of the ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, ATR 72-600 features a new full-glass cockpit, can accommodate 68 to 74 passengers, and carries a maximum load of 7,500kg.

Air KBZ deputy managing director Khin Maung Myint said: "The ATR -600 series aircraft’s superior operating economics and low fuel consumption, advanced engineering design, low-emission levels and excellent passenger comfort ideally meet our requirement for 70-seat aircraft."

Air KBZ, founded in 2010, is a privately owned Myanmar airline serving over a dozen domestic destinations, as well as selected international routes.

Nordic Aviation Capital is involved in sale, purchasing and financing of commercial turboprop and jet airliners with regional offices in the US, Ireland, Singapore, France, Canada, Switzerland and UK.

Established in 1981, ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and EADS, and specialises in the manufacture of regional aircraft with 90 seats or less.

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Image: Air KBZ plans to use the new ATR 72-600s to further develop its regional network. Photo: courtesy of ATR Aircraft.