Regional turboprop manufacturer ATR and Papua New Guinea carrier PNG Air have announced a $134m contract for the firm purchase of five ATR 72-600s. The deal represents the conversion into firm orders of five options from a previous deal.

Formerly known as Airlines PNG, PNG Air signed for a total of six firm ATR 72-600s and 14 options in 2014. The first of these aircraft entered service in November 2015. Today, the airline operates four ATR 72-600s and will receive the fifth aircraft before the end of this year.

The airline is currently undergoing a major transformation plan, with an ambitious fleet renewal and rebranding and a new business strategy focused on the domestic market. PNG Air is also expanding into corporate transportation to support businesses aiming to develop their natural resource activities within Papua New Guinea.

The order follows an agreement signed with Spanish carrier Binter on 12th October for six additional ATR 72-600s, taking their total order for the aircraft to 18. That order was the first since February, when Singapore-based commercial aircraft lessor Avation PLC announced an agreement for the purchase of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Earlier, ATR and Iran’s national flag carrier Iran Air signed a deal for the introduction of 40 ATR 72-600s. The €1bn agreement included firm orders for 20 aircraft plus 20 options.