The Royal Thai Air Force has received the first of the four VIP ATR 72-500 aircraft purchased from ATR through a contract signed in 2007.

The first ATR 72 will be employed to transport the Thai Royal Family and other government and military officials.

The aircraft is a part of the ATR-500 series that features a advanced six-blade propeller with low fuel consumption per person and low CO2 emissions.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, the ATR 72 is equipped with an optional front passenger door.

The three remaining aircraft will be delivered before the end of 2009.