Precision Air Services takes delivery of ATR 42-600 aircraft

Tanzanian carrier Precision Air Services has taken delivery of its first twin-turboprop, short-haul jet ATR 42-600 from the ATR Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France.

It is also the first aircraft from the order placed by Precision Air in December 2011 for four ATR 42-600s and one ATR 72-600.

The airline is scheduled to put the new jet to commercial service from Dar Es Salaam economic centre to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Precision Air Services group managing director and chief executive officer Alfonse Kioko said the addition of new ATR 42-600 to the airlines fleet was in line with its commitment to providing superior air transport services.

"The ATR 42-600 is suited to our growth ambitions on the African continent," Kioko added.

With the introduction of these five aircraft, the airline’s ATR fleet will increase to 14, making it the largest ATR operator in Africa.

In addition, with the acquisition of ATR 42-600, Precision Air becomes the first airline to own the variant in Africa.

Precision Air Services plans to add new routes and frequencies to its domestic and regional markets as a part of its efforts to expand its regional network.

The second ATR 42-600 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2012 and the remaining two are expected in 2013; while ATR 72-600 will be handed over to the carrier 2014.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, the ATR 42-600 twin-turboprop aircraft can accommodate up to 50 passengers and has a maximum range with full passenger load of 1,300km.

ATR 72-600 aircraft features an avionics suite that is equipped with full-glass cockpit, Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, and has a capacity to accommodate up to 74 passengers and a maximum range with full passenger load of 1,665km.

At present, 105 ATR aeroplanes are in service in Africa and the Middle East regions.

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Image: With the acquisition of ATR 42-600, Precision Air becomes the first airline to own the variant in Africa. Photo: courtesy of ATR Aircraft.