UTair and ATR sign contract for 20 ATR 72-500s

The Russian carrier UTair and regional turboprop manufacturer ATR reported the signature of a contract for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-500s. The announcement of the deal, valued at $426 million, took place in Kiev. With the entry into service of these new aircraft, UTair will respond to the increasing market demand for regional connectivity in Russia and also in Ukraine. The airline will add seat capacity on existing routes and will develop new routes in both countries. UTair operates a fleet of 17 ATRs: 12 ATR 42-300s and 3 ATR 72-200s in Russia, plus 2 ATR 42-300s operated by its subsidiary UTair Ukraine. With the delivery of the new 20 ATR 72-500s, UTair will become the largest operator of ATR aircraft in Europe, with 37 ATRs.