09 Februari 2018
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Malaysia has shortlisted the ATR-72MP aircraft type for its four-unit maritime patrol aircraft acquisition programme (photo : Leonardo)
Leonardo is highlighting the network of commercial ATR 72 operators in the region as one of the platform’s advantage in the ongoing Malaysian maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) contest.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is acquiring a total of four MPA platforms, and has shortlisted the company’s ATR 72MP, which has been developed from Leonardo’s ATR 72-600 regional turboprop, as one of the aircraft types it is currently considering for this requirement.
Speaking to Jane’s at the Singapore Airshow 2018, the company’s representatives pointed to commercial airlines in Southeast Asia, including Malaysian budget carrier Firefly, and regional carrier Malindo Airways, as operators that have proven out the ATR 72’s proposition as a reliable, low-cost platform with a high level of availability.
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ATR-72MP (photo : Mario Alberto Ravasio)
Firefly currently operates a fleet of 12 ATR 72-500s, while Malindo Airways has a fleet of 18 ATR 72-600s. Other regional airlines that operate variants of the platform include Garuda Indonesia, Cebu Pacific, and Bangkok Airways.
“The vast number of operators means that the Royal Malaysian Air Force stands to benefit from the logistics support network that is already existing in the region,” said Giovanni Timossi, from the strategy, market development, and sales department of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division.
The platform is also being proposed with a proven set of mission components, including the company’s airborne tactical observation and surveillance (ATOS) mission system, which is currently in use on board the Italian Air Force’s ATR 72MP.
(Jane's)
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is acquiring a total of four MPA platforms, and has shortlisted the company’s ATR 72MP, which has been developed from Leonardo’s ATR 72-600 regional turboprop, as one of the aircraft types it is currently considering for this requirement.
Speaking to Jane’s at the Singapore Airshow 2018, the company’s representatives pointed to commercial airlines in Southeast Asia, including Malaysian budget carrier Firefly, and regional carrier Malindo Airways, as operators that have proven out the ATR 72’s proposition as a reliable, low-cost platform with a high level of availability.
Firefly currently operates a fleet of 12 ATR 72-500s, while Malindo Airways has a fleet of 18 ATR 72-600s. Other regional airlines that operate variants of the platform include Garuda Indonesia, Cebu Pacific, and Bangkok Airways.
“The vast number of operators means that the Royal Malaysian Air Force stands to benefit from the logistics support network that is already existing in the region,” said Giovanni Timossi, from the strategy, market development, and sales department of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division.
The platform is also being proposed with a proven set of mission components, including the company’s airborne tactical observation and surveillance (ATOS) mission system, which is currently in use on board the Italian Air Force’s ATR 72MP.
(Jane's)