Synergy Aerospace purchases 12 firm ATR 72-600s for Avian Líneas Aéreas

The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the South-American company Synergy Aerospace has announced an order for the purchase of 12 firm ATR 72-600s, plus 6 options.

The aircraft are to be operated by the group’s new subsidiary in Argentina, Avian Líneas Aéreas, commercially branded as Avianca Argentina under a license agreement.

The ATR 72-600s will be configured with 72 seats and feature the most modern standards of performance and passenger comfort. They are the most fuel and eco-efficient aircraft of their category. Launching its operations with the latest-generation ATR 72-600s, Avian Líneas Aéreas will provide an essential service across the Argentinian market, introducing new regional routes and connections to and from main hubs, first in Buenos Aires and then in Córdoba. The first delivery is expected before the end of the year, with entry into service planned for the first quarter of 2017.

Commenting on the deal, Germán Efromovich, Chairman of Synergy Aerospace, declared:

“We are excited about the imminent launch of Avian Líneas Aéreas as an Avianca branded airline. We are looking forward to expanding services and linking under-served communities in Argentina thanks not only to a highly efficient and modern ATR 72-600 fleet but also the technical and logistic support of ATR/Airbus stemming from a traditional strong partnership, as well as to broaden and deepen Avianca’s network in South America.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added:

“The introduction of the ATR -600 series in Argentina is a major milestone in our expansion in Latin America. Argentina has great potential for the development of regional air connectivity, and we are pleased to bring the most cost-efficient, modern and comfortable solution to airlines and passengers alike.”

ATR and Synergy Aerospace have been working together closely over the last five years. Synergy Aerospace’s mainly owned subsidiary Avianca Holdings purchased 15 ATR 72-600s in 2012, currently operated by Avianca in Colombia and Central America.

Today’s news follows the announcement of Synergy Aerospace’s proposed strategic investment in the Mexican airline Aeromar, which also involves the acquisition of new ATR aircraft for near-term delivery.

ATR is well established in Latin America and the Caribbean region, with some 160 aircraft operating in the liveries of 30 airlines.

Avian Líneas Aéreas S.A. is an Argentinian start-up airline that will launch scheduled and charter air services in Q1 2017, subject to final government approvals. From its hubs in Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) and Cordoba, it will operate commercially as Avianca Argentina under a brand license agreement. The new airline will fill a critical void in regional coverage and connectivity by offering multiple daily services in currently non-served and under-served markets.  New ATR 72-600s will be deployed at a fast pace, with 12 in service by January 2018.

Synergy Aerospace has significant airline interests throughout Latin America. It has integrated the airlines and companies of  TACA with Avianca under a holding company, Avianca Holdings, and developed Ocean Air as a leading carrier under the Avianca brand in Brazil. Its extensive operations will be further enhanced through recently announced ventures with Avian Lineas Aéreas (Argentina) and Aeromar (Mexico), giving it an unrivaled presence extending from the Rio Grande to Patagonia.

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