The Vietnam Aircraft Leasing Company (VALC) received its fourth ATR72-500 aircraft from the French manufacturer Avion de Transport Regional (ATR) at Toulouse on October 7.

The aircraft, painted with the colors and logo of Vietnam Airlines, will be transferred to the national flag carrier under a previously signed leasing contract between the two sides.

 The aircraft is the fourth out of five ATR72-500 ordered at a total cost of over US$100 million.

VALC received three ATR72-500 airplanes in April, June and September this year, and the last one is expected to arrive in December.

VALC general director Tran Long said the company has signed contracts to purchase ten Airbus A321-200 aircraft, which it will lease to Vietnam Airlines in 2012-2013.

VALC was jointly established by the Vietnam’s Bank for Investment and Development along with a number of State groups and corporations.

In addition to buying and leasing aircraft, VALC also operates air taxis, airports and runs training programs.

(SGGP)