Blagnac, France-based Franco-Italian planemaker, ATR, has announced that it has received 22 firm orders for its family of turboprop aircraft, with options on a further two. These orders have come from Mandarin Airlines, Berjaya Air, Azul and five undisclosed customers for both ATR 42 and 72 aircraft types.
The orders break down as follows: Six ATR 72-600s from Mandarin Airlines, two ATR 72-600s with “All-Business Class” premium configuration from Berjaya Air, three ATR 72-600s from Azul, plus options for two additional aircraft, 8 ATR 72-600s from three undisclosed customers, and three ATR 42-600s from two undisclosed customers.
Currently ATR is on schedule to deliver over forty aircraft this year which, despite supply chain problems, has remained its delivery objective for the year. According to ATR's Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, “These new aircraft orders demonstrate clear recovery signs from South-East Asia, traditionally one of ATR's largest markets. We are confident that, in due time, the efficiency of our product offering, the lack of second-hand aircraft available and traffic exceeding pre-COVID levels in certain areas of the globe will induce a need for low-emission and versatile aircraft to support regional operators' plans of both fleet replacement and growth.”
She added: “ATR's purpose is to connect communities and businesses affordably and responsibly in the most complex operational environments. Already today, our aircraft emit 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets, and with our EVO concept, we want to cut emissions further down. Thanks also to government support, we are investing in technologies which will be used on our next generation aircraft, and we will get more results from the feasibility study by year-end.”
In 2023 alone ATR has increased its workforce by some 12% and to continue to support its production ramp-up and plans for the future, including the ongoing development of its Short Take-Off and Landing variant, the manufacturer is looking for more forward-thinking talent.
