Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Abelo Expands ATR 72-600 Orders with Three Additional Aircraft
Abelo confirms three more ATR 72-600 turboprop options, increasing firm orders to 36, with deliveries planned for 2027 and global airline placements.
This article is based on an official press release from ATR Aircraft.
Irish-based regional manufacturers Abelo has officially exercised three additional options for ATR 72-600 turboprops, according to a recent company announcement. The newly confirmed Commercial-Aircraft stem from an initial agreement signed between the lessor and the manufacturer during the 2023 Dubai Airshow.
By exercising these options, Abelo continues to expand its skyline and reinforce its commitment to the regional aviation market. The lessor has now secured a total of 36 firm aircraft Orders from ATR, maintaining a steady pipeline of modern turboprops to supply its global Airlines partners.
We note that this development underscores the ongoing demand for cost-effective and lower-emission regional aircraft. Deliveries for these three newly confirmed ATR 72-600s are scheduled for 2027, providing Abelo with strategic delivery slots over the coming years.
Fleet Expansion and Global Placements
Steady Delivery Pipeline
According to the official press release, Abelo still retains nine options and purchase rights with ATR, leaving room for further fleet expansion. The lessor has demonstrated significant momentum with its current order book, successfully placing or delivering one-third of all its firm commitments to date.
Expanding Airline Partnerships
Abelo’s global footprint continues to grow as it supplies regional operators across diverse markets. The company has recently placed aircraft with European carriers such as SKY Express and Aegean in Greece, as well as SATENA in Colombia. Furthermore, earlier this year, the lessor supplied Ethiopian Airlines with two brand-new ATR turboprops, highlighting the broad geographic appeal of the ATR 72-600 platform.
Leadership Perspectives on Regional Aviation
Confidence in the ATR Asset
The decision to firm up these options reflects a strong belief in the operational economics of the ATR 72-600. In the company press release, Abelo Chief Executive Officer Steve Gorman emphasized the strategic value of securing near-term delivery slots.
“Our decision to confirm these additional ATR 72-600s reflects our confidence in the ATR asset and its relevance for regional operators worldwide,” Gorman stated in the release.
He further noted that the aircraft will allow the lessor to continue offering efficient and environmentally responsible solutions to its airline partners.
Manufacturer’s Viewpoint
ATR leadership echoed this sentiment, pointing to the importance of leasing platforms in distributing new aircraft to regional carriers. Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, highlighted the flexible pathways that lessors like Abelo provide to airlines looking to modernize their fleets.
“Abelo’s decision to further expand its ATR fleet reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to providing regional airlines with efficient, modern turboprops,” Tarnaud Laude remarked in the official statement.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Abelo’s continued investment in the ATR 72-600 aligns with broader industry trends prioritizing fuel efficiency and sustainable connectivity in regional markets. Backed by funds managed by global alternative investment firm Cerberus Capital Management, Abelo is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition from older regional aircraft to newer, lower-emission technologies. The ATR 72-600, which the manufacturer notes emits 45% less CO2 than similar-sized regional jets, remains a highly relevant asset for lessors targeting environmentally conscious operators and economically sensitive routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft did Abelo recently order?
Abelo confirmed three additional options for the ATR 72-600 turboprop, bringing its total firm orders with the manufacturer to 36 aircraft.
When are the new aircraft scheduled for delivery?
According to the manufacturer’s press release, Delivery for these three newly confirmed ATR 72-600s are scheduled for 2027.
Which airlines currently lease aircraft from Abelo?
Abelo has placed or delivered aircraft to several global operators, including SKY Express, Aegean, SATENA, and Ethiopian Airlines.
Who provides financial backing for Abelo?
The Irish-based leasing platform is backed by funds managed by Cerberus Capital Management, a global alternative investment firm.
Sources
Photo Credit: ATR