- Özgür Töre
On the occasion of the Farnborough International Airshow, world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, has reaffirmed its leadership on the regional aviation market, both today, with the signature of new deals and Global Maintenance Agreements, and in the future, with its updated 20-year market forecast.
ATR has secured new orders from Japan’s ORC and Gabon’s Afrijet, respectively selecting the ATR 42-600 and the ATR 72-600 as the lowest CO2 emission and most economical regional aircraft on the market. ATR continues to enlarge its footprint in Japan as Feel Air is looking to operate a fleet of up to 36 ATR aircraft, and the manufacturer is also getting unswerving support from the leasing community, as newly formed lessor Abelo is to acquire 20 aircraft, including 10 ATR 42-600S – the Short Take-Off and Landing version.
ATR’s new 20-year global market forecast, disclosed at the show, demonstrates that essential connectivity benefits not only emerging markets but also mature economies. Communities across the globe will always need a quick and affordable access to healthcare, education and fresh produce, which ATR turboprops are already providing today.
Fabrice Vautier, ATR Senior Vice-President Commercial, commented: “In mature markets, the acute awareness of the environmental challenge is the main driver for change across the entire aviation ecosystem. While in Asia Pacific, Latin America, or Africa, for instance, the challenge is to provide a low-fare alternative to time-consuming mobility options. Everywhere, profitability for the operators and comfort for the passengers are paramount, and the ATR -600 family is making a difference, offering sustainability, comfort, reliability and unrivalled economics. This is why our forecast predicts a total market of close to 2,500 aircraft over the next 20 years.”
ATR is responding by developing the most responsible and affordable turboprop ever, soon to be operated by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The turboprop manufacturer has just performed the first flight ever with 100% SAF in both engines on a commercial aircraft. Certification is also on track for its latest generation PW127XT engine, with deliveries starting this year.
