The new Maldives airline will start operations with the latest generation ATRs

Toulouse, October, 2018 – Manta Air, the new domestic airline in the Republic of Maldives, has secured its first two ATR 72-600’s through Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). The first will be introduced in November 2018, with the second planned to join Manta Air’s fleet before the end of the year. The aircraft will ensure improved connectivity between the beautiful Maldivian atolls. They will be initially operating from the main Velana International Airport, to three airports: Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll and Thimarafushi in Thaa atoll.

Edward Alsford, Chief Operation Officer of Manta Air, declared, “Manta Air is an exciting new domestic airline based in the Republic of Maldives. Our mission is to make flying an enjoyable and effortless experience by ensuring the highest safety standards are established and maintained. We are introducing two brand new ATR72-600’s aircraft into the Maldives. This demonstrates Manta Air’s dedication to high standards, and our commitment offers the best levels of service for our passengers. These aircraft benefit from having the most modern and comfortable turboprop cabin. Manta Air has taken the unusual step of removing a row of seats to provide our passengers with additional legroom in both economy and business class.”

Martin Møller, Chairman of NAC, declared: “We are pleased to see our first ATR 72-600 aircraft being introduced in the Maldives and contributing to the further development of the air connectivity in this region. The ATR 72-600s perfectly match the requirements for short-haul travel in terms of low operating costs, comfort and ability to take-off and land at small airfields.”

Stefano Bortoli, CEO of ATR, added, “It is a special occasion to be part of the launch of a new airline such as Manta Air. Their choice highlights their confidence in the ATR 72-600 as the best aircraft for their successful daily operations in the Maldives. It demonstrates once again the value of ATR for connecting island communities whilst allowing airlines to take advantages of its unbeatable economics and comfort.”

The eco-efficient ATR 72-600s will operate on domestic routes from runways as short as 1200 meters, thanks to their unmatched take-off and landing performance. The aircraft will feature a very comfortable and spacious cabin, with an increased legroom seat, offering a new travel experience across the Maldives.

About the ATR 72-600:

Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats

Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M

Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine

Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg

Maximum load: 7,500 Kg

Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

About Nordic Aviation Capital:
NAC is the industry’s leading regional aircraft lessor serving over 70 airline customers in 49 countries. The company provides aircraft to well-established carriers such as British Airways, Air Canada, LOT, Azul, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Garuda, Flybe, Aeroméxico and airBaltic as well as major regional carriers including Air Nostrum and Widerøe. NAC’s current fleet of almost 500 aircraft includes E170, E175, E190, E195, ATR 42, ATR 72, Bombardier Dash 8, CRJ900, CRJ1000 and A220. NAC is the largest owner and lessor of both ATR aircraft in the world.

About ATR:

ATR is a European manufacturer of turboprops and the world leader on the regional aviation market. ATR designs, builds and delivers modern regional aircraft to a customer base of more than 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and 72 are the world’s best sellers in the aircraft segment of less than 90 seats. Driven by the desire for continuous improvement, ATR builds technologically cutting-edge turboprops that are both comfortable and versatile, used by air carriers to broaden their horizons and create more than 100 new routes every year. By comparison with other turboprops, ATRs offer advantages of 40% in terms of fuel consumption, 20% in terms of cost per journey and 10% in terms of seat costs, while offering the lowest levels of noise emissions. ATR is a joint venture equally owned by Airbus and Leonardo, two major players in the aerospace industry. Backed by a vast international customer support network, ATR offers innovative solutions and services for its customers and operators around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com.