Tanzania’s Precision Air Services has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-500. The first delivery is in line with a deal concluded in 2006, regarding the purchase of six new ‘-500s’ ATRs. Last year, the airline booked another ATR 42-500.
The additional 7 new ‘-500 series’ aircraft comprising 5 ATR 72-500s and 2 ATR 42-500s, will enable Precision Air Services renew its current ATR fleet consisting of 4 ATR 42-320s and 3 ATR 72-210s. ATR says the six ATRs left will be delivered between 2008 and 2010.
Mr. Michael Shirima, Chairman, Board of Directors of Precision Air  Services, expresses pleasure to take delivery of the first ATR-500 series, “thus launching the modernization of our turboprop fleet with the most efficient and advanced aircraft of the regional market.”  He adds that the “ATRs are well-adapted to the extreme conditions of Africa, and have proven themselves to be extremely reliable throughout our network.”

Mr. Shirima notes that the performance of the ‘-500s’ in hot and high environments will enable the airline to optimize its operating costs and will successfully contribute to the expansion of Precision Air’s network. 
Also, ATR CEO, Mr. Stephane Mayer, notes “the vast presence of the ATRs in Africa, operating in some 20 countries.”

According to him: “In the last two years, we have also sold almost 30 new aircraft to African carriers, a success that confirms the growth of the regional networks across the continent. Because of their ability to operate in all kinds of operating environments, with their ease of maintenance, reduced operating costs and environment friendliness, the ATR aircraft are very well-adapted to the regional routes in Africa.”

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