Tarom will lease nine new ATR 72-600s from Copenhagen-based Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) to gradually replace its existing fleet of seven ATR 42-500s and two ATR 72-500s, the companies announced Wednesday. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in October, with four examples set to arrive this year and the remaining five in 2020.

The airline selected ATR after a “comprehensive review of competing aircraft,” according to Madalina Mezei, who was appointed CEO of state-owned Tarom earlier this month. The ATR 72-600s, she said, demonstrated they are “the best aircraft to meet our ambitious targets regarding efficiency, modern technology, and environmental responsibility. With this aircraft, we will be able to develop new routes and increase frequency and seat availability, whilst introducing the highest levels of comfort and the latest technology into our domestic network.”

According to ATR, the new turboprops will offer the Romanian flag carrier “an additional 330,000 seats every year at the same operating cost as its previous seat level.” Tarom’s -600s will feature 72 seats, compared to 48 seats on its ATR 42-500s and 68 on the ATR 72-500s. The company’s ATR 42s, which are owned, have an average age of close to 21 years.

ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli described Tarom as one of Europe’s “most experienced ATR” operators. “We are proud to see this long-time customer renew its partnership with the ATR 72-600, the regional aircraft with the best environmental credentials.”

Tarom is a new customer for NAC. The lessor last week at the Paris Air Show signed a letter of intent with ATR for 35 firm ATR -600s, with options for a further 35 and purchase rights for another 35.