NEW ERA FOR MACAIR AIRLINES

Queensland’s MacAir Airlines will become the first Australian carrier to introduce the European ATR42-500, a 50 passenger high speed regional airliner, as part of a continuing programme of expansion to support the booming economy.

The airline’s multi-million dollar investment in the new aircraft will increase the seating capacity and cabin comfort which MacAir can provide for contract services to mining communities and scheduled flights to major regional centres.

The acquisition of the ATR – to be delivered in the first quarter of 2007 – also demonstrates the continued commitment of MacAir to support regional business travellers, and follows the recent introduction of two additional SAAB 340B aircraft to upgrade existing routes and open new services.

The ATR 42-500 is an in-production aircraft that is fast, comfortable, and has the highest reliability in its class.

“The economy is experiencing unprecedented growth in the resources sector and we need to meet this by upgrading our fleet and introducing new technology,” said MacAir Managing Director, Mr Randal McFarlane.

“After a detailed assessment of several aircraft types, we selected the ATR42-500 as it will deliver not only the extra capacity required by our customers, but a new level of comfort for travellers to regional destinations,” he said.

“This aircraft is ideally suited to the Australian conditions due to its ability to operate in ‘hot and high’’ conditions and to short airfields,” he noted.

Although new to Australia, the ATR 42-500 and the larger ATR72-500 are in operation elsewhere in the Pacific region, flying with operators in New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Fiji. More than 800 ATR’s have been delivered worldwide with over 60 aircraft being delivered each year.

MacAir is now developing specific plans for the use of the ATR aircraft, and will release details closer to the date that it enters service.

MacAir Airlines is a Qantas Frequent Flyer partner, operating a fleet of modern propjets to 36 destinations in regional Queensland, as well as providing fly-in, fly-out services for the mining community.

Flights on MacAir can be booked online at www.macair.com.au , through your local travel agent or by contacting Qantas Reservations on 131313.