ATR’s 2011 results attest to the structural changes in the regional transport market, making ATRs the new reference in this sector. ATRs represented more than 80% of regional airplane sales in 2011, confirming the domination of turboprop aircraft on regional routes. Their low fuel consumption, combined with comfort and advanced technology are the main reasons for ATR’s success, the first signs of which were felt in 2005.

The regional aircraft manufacturer ATR recorded its best commercial year in 2011, posting firm sales of 157 planes and options for an additional 79 aircraft. These 157 firm sales (13 ATR 42s and 144 ATR 72s) round out the manufacturer’s order book for a record high of 224 aircraft, ensuring 3 years of production, taking into account the production ramp up starting in 2012. During a press conference held in Paris this morning, Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said he was “very pleased with the outstanding commercial performance in 2011. Our success is based on our ability to answer to the market requirements. Airlines are increasingly looking for planes that combine the lowest operating costs, cutting-edge technology, comfort and environmental friendliness. In this context, ATRs and particularly our new series of aircraft, the -600, have proven to be the best choice for regional routes in terms of meeting these requirements in regional routes.”

ATR recorded 157 firm orders and 79 options (table 1) with 18 clients worldwide, including 10 new customers. Existing clients have renewed their trust in ATR in order to develop their networks and meet the increase in local traffic. Among its new clients, the majority of ATR aircraft purchased in 2011 will be intended to replace an older fleet of first-generation regional jets or turboprops (non-ATR planes). Leasing companies represented over 20% of ATR’s sales in 2011, which confirms that ATRs are increasingly attractive to aircraft lessors. Their low operating and maintenance costs, their high standard of comfort, thanks to the new “Armonia” cabin for the -600 series in particular, and a base of approximately 180 ATR operators in 90 countries make them major assets for aircraft leasing companies. ATR’s success has really ramped up in recent years, with half of all orders (totaled over the past 30 years) being recorded since 2005.

Certification of the ATR 72-600 in May 2011, as well as of the associated training tools, enabled the European turboprop manufacturer to introduce new standards of comfort and leading-edge technologies into regional market. Since their entry into service last August, ATR 72-600s have made over 3,000 flights, posting an initial technical reliability of over 99.7%.

ATR delivered 54 aircraft in 2011 (table 2), including 10 ATR 72-600s.

At the end of 2011, the 224 planes on the order books totaled an estimated US$ 5 billion.

As a result, ATR will substantially increase its delivery schedule in order to meet the strong demand for ATRs worldwide. ATR plans to deliver over 70 aircraft in 2012 and to increase its deliveries to a minimum of 80 units as of 2013. With the ramp-up of its delivery schedules, ATR should see its turnover, which currently stands at $1.3 billion, reach $2 billion in the near future.

Filippo Bagnato said: “We are currently experiencing a real reversal of the trend in the regional market. Jets with 90 seats or less are gradually losing their place. And he added: “Today, ATR holds 70% of the order book for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. This success was born of a continuous improvement policy, economic performance and the comfort of our airplanes. Today, this success has led to a remarkable change in the perception of our turboprop aircraft amongst regional airlines and their passengers.”

In 2011, ATR also obtained the expansion of the scope of its environmental certification ISO 14001, thus becoming the first regional aircraft manufacturer to be certified “environmental-friendly” over the entire lifecycle of its planes.

 Source: ATR
Photo: Rob Vogelaar, Z.A.P.P.