ATR Announces 22 Aircraft Orders from Multiple Customers at Paris Air Show
Leading aircraft manufacturer ATR, known for its innovative Franco-Italian designs, made a big splash at the Paris Air Show with the announcement of 22 new aircraft orders. The exciting development took place on June 20, 2023, during a press conference, and the company revealed that these orders came from eight separate customers.
Among the notable customers mentioned during the event were Mandarin Airlines, Berjaya Air, and Brazilian carrier Azul. However, the identities of the other five customers have not been disclosed yet. ATR did confirm that all 22 aircraft ordered were the popular 42-600 and 72-600 models.
ATR proudly proclaims itself as the “world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer” and attributes the surge in demand to the rising appeal of its low-emission, comfortable, and versatile turboprops with unmatched economic efficiency.
During the press conference, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s CEO, shared some specifics about the orders. Mandarin Airlines placed an order for six ATR 72-600 aircraft, while Azul secured three ATR 72-600 planes with options for two more. Berjaya Air’s order for two ATR 72-600 aircraft will feature a premium configuration for a sole business class aircraft.
As for the remaining undisclosed customers, they collectively ordered eight ATR 72-600 and three ATR 42-600 aircraft. The increasing demand from South-East Asia, a vital market for ATR, indicates clear signs of recovery. The company is confident that its efficient product offering, coupled with a scarcity of second-hand aircraft and the resurgence of air traffic in certain regions post-Covid, will drive the need for low-emission and versatile aircraft to support regional operators’ fleet replacement and expansion plans.
Despite supply chain challenges, ATR is determined to meet its delivery target of over 40 aircraft in 2023. Looking ahead, the company forecasts a demand for 2,450 turboprops in the next 20 years, with a significant portion likely to be utilized as freighters.
The new ATR aircraft will play an essential role in the growth strategies of the airlines involved. For instance, Mandarin Airlines plans to add the new aircraft to its existing fleet of nine ATR 72-600 to cater to the Taiwanese market’s demand. Meanwhile, Berjaya Air aims to rebrand itself as a premium offering and expand its network to serve its numerous resorts and hotels.
In conclusion, ATR’s substantial order announcements reflect a promising trend in the aviation industry, and the manufacturer is set on delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of regional operators worldwide.