Deal further demonstrates long-term confidence of financial community in ATR family with firm orders for two aircraft versions
Farnborough Airshow, 19 July 2022 – Newly formed Lessor Abelo and number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of Heads of Agreement for 10 brand new ATR 72-600. The leasing company is also to confirm an order for 10 ATR 42-600S (the Short Take-off and Landing, or STOL, variant) previously signed by Elix Aviation in 2019. First deliveries of the ATR 72-600 will start in 2023, while the first STOL version will be delivered at the end of 2024.
Steve Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Abelo, said: “We firmly believe that turboprops are the technology of today and tomorrow and this is why we are investing in the ATR platform. This new deal is further proof of our commitment to create growth and value for regional operators, providing them with the most modern, profitable and sustainable aircraft on the market. As we are looking to expand and become the go-to lessor of turboprops, our strong links with ATR will prove invaluable.”
Stefano Bortoli, ATR Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Abelo is a perfect partner for ATR and a force to be reckoned with in the regional aviation market. With today’s order for 20 aircraft, they demonstrate their long-term confidence in our product family and shine a light on the many opportunities that exist for operators across the globe. The financial community and leasing companies in particular have been unswerving supporters of ATR throughout the years, and will keep playing a key role.”
ATR new market forecast, unveiled today, shows a strong demand across the world for turboprops over the next 20 years. This appeal for the most responsible and affordable regional aircraft is already confirmed through this new deal, as well as through the fact that the manufacturer has recently managed to place its entire portfolio of second-hand aircraft.
About Abelo Abelo is a full-fledge leasing platform created in June 2022, focusing on the commercial Turbo-Prop aircraft segment. It results in the merge between former Elix Aviation’s platform and Turbo-Prop portfolio of 65 assets, and the management expertise of ADARE Aviation Capital, lead by CEO Stephen Gorman. Abelo is owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), which initiated the merger to enable further investment in the regional Turbo-prop sector, at a unique moment where there are a lot of changes expected in all areas of the leasing business and especially in ESG.
About ATR ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best- selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open more than 100 new routes on average every year, burn up to 40% less fuel and emit up to 40% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
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Angelika Kapsiani Email: info@abelo.aero
