Tag: emitting

TAROM Takes Delivery of First of Nine ATR 72-600

February 19, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

TAROM, Romania’s national flag carrier, today took delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft, the market-leading product of the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer. With a brand new livery, this aircraft is the first of a leasing contract with leading regional aircraft lessor NAC, for nine ATR 72-600.

TAROM has been very successful in its domestic market operations by using ATR aircraft – both ATR 42‑500 and ATR 72-500 – to compete with low cost carriers. When this major fleet upgrade is completed, by the end of 2020, the Romanian carrier will offer an additional 330,000 seats every year, at the same operating cost as its previous seat level, improving short haul connectivity in Romania. With ATR 72-600 burning 40% less fuel and emitting 40% less CO2 than similar-sized regional jets, TAROM will support the development of local and more isolated communities in a responsible way, while further consolidating their position in the market.

TAROM Chief Executive Officer George Barbu said: “We are looking forward to starting operations with our brand new ATR 72-600, the only aircraft on the regional market to meet our ambitious targets in terms of efficiency, modern technology and environmental performance. We are going to be able to develop new routes and increase frequency and seat availability, whilst offering the highest levels of comfort and technology.”

NAC Chairman, Martin Møller added: “The economics of the ATR 72-600, its modernity, passenger comfort and flexibility, along with proven environmental credentials make it an attractive asset, for both lessors and airlines. We thank TAROM for the confidence they have placed in NAC and we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the future.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR commented: “Renewed confidence from a loyal customer is the best possible endorsement for an aircraft manufacturer. Especially when the decision is made after a vigorous evaluation of the existing solutions on the market – we know that our product is working for our customers. All regions deserve the same opportunity to be part of a connected world and ATR aircraft show unrivalled performance in connecting people and businesses responsibly.”

TAROM and ATR have been working together for 20 years. This major fleet upgrade will also enable the airline to benefit from state-of-the-art avionics, including glass cockpit, LPV and V-NAV capabilities, for safe, flexible and efficient operations.

ATR Delivers First Ever Green Financed Aircraft

December 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

First of five new 72-600 orders by Braathens Regional Airlines

ATR, world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today delivered the first ever green financed aircraft to Swedish regional airline Braathens Regional Airlines, BRA. The aircraft is leased from Avation and is financed by Deutsche Bank. It is part of a new order for five 72-600s, all purchased by Avation from ATR and leased to BRA. Upon completion of the order in early 2020, the airline will itself operate an entirely ATR fleet, comprised of 15 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Vigeo Eiris, one of the world’s leading independent agencies providing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings, expressed the opinion that the project of replacing ageing regional jets with new ATR 72-600 aircraft is aligned with the Green Loan Principles (GLP) established by the Loan Market Association in 2018.

This first ever Green Financing of an aircraft confirms the high sustainable value of the modern ATR turboprop aircraft. The ATR 72-600 aircraft has a significant environmental advantage over regional jets and other turboprops emitting 40% less CO2. Turboprops are more efficient than jets on short sectors as they accelerate air using less power, so use less fuel.

BRA CEO, Geir Stormorken, remarked: “We have made a commitment to decrease our environmental impact and the ATR is an essential part of our strategy. With that as a goal, it simply makes sense to choose the most efficient aircraft. By replacing parts of our existing fleet of regional jets with ATR 72-600 aircraft we will emit 7,500 fewer tonnes of CO2 per aircraft, per year. We believe that aviation is an essential part of Sweden’s regional transport network and we look forward to showing our passengers and the Swedish public at large that there is a sustainable way of flying.”

Executive Chairman of Avation, Jeff Chatfield, commented: “As a lessor, it is essential for us to progress our fleet into new technology low carbon emission aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 which maintain their value over a long period. ATR is one of the best assets in terms of residual value retention in the business. BRA’s decision to consolidate their own operation around the ATR 72-600 aircraft type demonstrates their understanding of the regional aviation market and the importance of reducing carbon emissions. BRA is an airline that is leading the way in terms of striving to offer their passengers the best possible experience, whilst optimising operations and minimising environmental impact.”

“Deutsche Bank is proud to have played a key role in the first green financing of a commercial aircraft,” said Richard Finlayson, Deutsche Bank Head of Global Transportation Finance, Asia. “We’re hopeful that this leads the way for more sustainable financing activity in aviation, and increased adoption of lower carbon emission aircraft across the industry, to help make flying more eco-responsible.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “It is only natural that the first Green Financing deal for a commercial aircraft would involve an ATR and BRA. Thanks to the innovation of the ATR design, it inherently benefits from its lighter fuselage and the efficiency of its turboprop, meaning it burns less fuel and emits less CO2. It also makes sense that BRA, the leading voice on responsible regional flying in Sweden, would upgrade its own fleet to an all ATR 72-600 one, benefitting from these advantages compared to its rivals. We are proud to launch Green Financing in commercial aviation and lead the way in terms of innovation and sustainable regional aviation. We are thankful to Avation for having the foresight and flexibility to establish the operating lease for this series of aircraft deliveries.”

About Braathens Regional Airlines
Braathens Regional Airlines, is one of Sweden’s leading domestic airlines, with a Swedish market share of 30 percent. Braathens operates 26 routes to 17 destinations and carries more than 2,2 million passengers annually. Braathens’ On Time Punctuality is outperforming all other airlines in the world. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, BRA was awarded as the airline with the most satisfied passengers in Sweden. The airline was formed in 2016 after consolidation of several domestic air carriers, but the company’s aviation DNA reaches back to 1946 when the very first airline of the Braathen family was founded, Braathens S.A.F.E.

Alstom to Test its Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train in the Netherlands

November 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

First pilot project with Coradia iLint outside Germany

31 October 2019 – Alstom and the Province of Groningen, local operator Arriva, the Dutch railway infrastructure manager ProRail and the energy company Engie have signed plans for a pilot project to test the Coradia iLint, the world’s first passenger train powered by hydrogen fuel cells, for the first time in the Netherlands. The signature took place as part of the “Klimaattop”, or Climate Summit Northern Netherlands, taking place this week in Groningen.

The tests will be carried out on the track between Groningen and Leeuwarden at up to 140 km/h and will last about two weeks. The ambition is to organise the test during the first quarter of 2020. The objective is to demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cell technology is an appropriate way to achieve zero-emission rail traffic on non-electrified lines in the Netherlands where there are currently diesel trains running.

“Alstom is committed to developing and implementing mobility solutions that permit not only the emergence of fully sustainable transport systems but also help drive the broader energy transition. We look forward to demonstrating what has already been proven in Germany – that hydrogen represents a highly suitable way forward in both cases,” said Bernard Belvaux, Managing Director of Alstom Benelux.

The Coradia iLint is the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which produces electrical power for traction. The train is quiet and emission-free, emitting only water and steam during operation. It represents a clean alternative for railway operators and regional authorities wishing to replace diesel fleets for operation on non-electrified lines and meet ambitious zero-emission objectives.

The world’s first two hydrogen trains have already been in regular passenger service in Lower Saxony in Germany since September 2018. The local transport authority LNVG will operate 14 Coradia iLint trains on that line from 2021. Also in Germany, RMV this ordered 27 Coradia iLint – the largest fleet of hydrogen trains in the world – for operation from 2022.

The Dutch railway network has approximatively 1,000 kilometres of non-electrified line.

TAROM Takes Delivery of First of Nine ATR 72-600

ATR Delivers First Ever Green Financed Aircraft

Alstom to Test its Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train in the Netherlands

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