ATR bullish on Africa and China markets

Jun 26, 2017: The regional turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR has announced new deals that will enable both ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s to develop new markets in China and Africa in particular. It has received commitments for the purchase of 89 aircraft and options for 20 additional ones since the beginning of the year. These commercial bookings have enabled ATR to achieve, in less than six months, a book-to-bill ratio in excess of one.

The manufacturer also announced two additional orders: one ATR 72-600 from Sweden’s BRA, which brings the airlines’ ATR 72-600 fleet to 10 aircraft, and one ATR 72-600 from Air Tahiti, a long-standing partner that has been operating ATRs for three decades. The new orders were announced during the recently concluded Paris Air Show.

Earlier this year, ATR signed a deal for 50 ATR 72-600s with the Indian carrier IndiGo, along with orders for 20 ATR 72-600s and 20 options with Iran’s national flag carrier, Iran Air. Since January, five customers have purchased ATRs for the first time, thus further strengthening ATR’s leading position and attractiveness among carriers operating in the regional sector.

The 89 orders booked since the beginning of the year are valued at over US$ 2.3 billion. As of today, ATR has a backlog of over 250 aircraft, correspondent to production for about three years.

“The level of sales we have booked in less than six months reflects a positive evolution in the market, and that the ATR aircraft are the optimal choice to open new routes at the lowest operating costs for airlines. No matter where there is potential for regional connectivity, our aircraft provide the best solution at the lower risks. Regional communities in China, India, Iran or Senegal are about to experience what the brand new ATR -600s can bring not only in terms of passenger comfort but also in terms of business development,” said Christian Scherer, chief executive officer of ATR.