FARNBOROUGH – In the penultimate stage of our overall recap from the Farnborough Air Show 2022, let’s take a look at how European planemaker ATR performed. And it was pretty solid.
ATR Performs Solidly in the Regional Market…
ATR had quite a solid week for regional aircraft sales.
ATR has had a very strong start to the Farnborough Air Show, announcing a Letter of Intent with the new Japanese carrier Feel Air Holdings for up to 36 ATR aircraft.
Whilst no breakdown was established, we do know that the order is going to be a mix of the 72-600 and STOL aircraft, to help preserve better connectivity region to region in Japan.
All aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next few years, with the final delivery taking place in the Spring of 2028.
This is a big step for ATR, as CEO Stefano Bortoli is aiming to centralize the Japanese regional market, with the expectation of there being 100 aircraft operating in the market over the next couple of years.
ATR had a strong day on Day 2, securing the sale of just one ATR 42-600 through Oriental Air Bridge (ORC).
This continues ATR’s sales in the Japanese region, especially with the previous order from Feel Air yesterday for up to 36 aircraft.
Kazuhito Tanaka, ORC Senior Managing Director, and Representative Director, say, “We will start renewing our fleet with the most efficient, affordable, and responsible aircraft in the market.”
“With our ATR 42-600, we are investing in a responsible future in line with our strong commitment to operate in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.”
“Our ATR aircraft will allow us to revitalize remote islands around Nagasaki Prefecture by providing lifeline connections with high efficiency and reliable services thanks to our ATR Global Maintenance Agreement.”
“Overseas travel restrictions will be gradually relaxed. We hope many people visit Japan and enjoy the trip by the ORC to the remote island of Nagasaki where some beautiful world heritages are located.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli, comments, “Air routes constitute an essential part of the archipelago’s domestic travel and transportation and as such taking a brand new aircraft with optimized support from the manufacturer is a perfect choice.”
“Our aircraft have demonstrated that they are the right solution to Japan’s requirements, now and in the future.”
“We are pleased to count ORC as one of our new customers and to be able to support them with a common purpose: to provide reliable and sustainable essential connections for communities and businesses from remote places.”
Later on in the afternoon, ATR announced another order. This time from leasing company Abelo. They have signed on for 10 ATR 72-600s, which will join the previously ordered 10 ATR 42-600 STOL aircraft made in 2019 under the Elix Aviation name pre-merger.
Steve Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Abelo, said: “We firmly believe that turboprops are the technology of today and tomorrow, and this is why we are investing in the ATR platform.”
“This new deal is further proof of our commitment to creating growth and value for regional operators, providing them with the most modern, profitable, and sustainable aircraft on the market.”
“As we are looking to expand and become the go-to lessor of turboprops, our strong links with ATR will prove invaluable.” Stefano Bortoli, ATR Chief Executive Officer, commented
“Abelo is a perfect partner for ATR and a force to be reckoned with in the regional aviation market. With today’s order for 20 aircraft, they demonstrate their long-term confidence in our product family and shine a light on the many opportunities that exist for operators across the globe.”
“The financial community and leasing companies, in particular, have been unswerving supporters of ATR throughout the years, and will keep playing a key role.”
ATR’s only order from Day 3 came from Afrijet, with the deal finalized for one 72-600 aircraft. This order means that Afrijet’s order book increases to six, with deliveries due to commence next year.
Afrijet CEO, Marc Gaffajoli, says: “Regional connectivity has a significant impact on local economies and community integration.”
“To be effective in Africa, an aircraft has to be cost-efficient, reliable, and versatile. Moreover, the unique terrain in which Afrijet operates, comprising of the Congo rainforest – the world’s second-largest tropical forest after the Amazon – makes an even stronger reason to select the most responsible aircraft on the market for such essential connections.”
Fabrice Vautier, ATR Senior Vice President Commercial, says: “Most traffic in Africa is concentrated on a few well-served routes, and there is a real need to connect secondary cities.”
“Afrijet is able to do just that, providing reliable and comfortable service to local communities. Accelerating the transition of its fleet to purchase the latest generation of ATR aircraft, is a clear demonstration of Afrijet’s strong business strategy and commitment to sustainable aviation”.
Fabrice Vautier, ATR Senior Vice-President Commercial, commented and wrapped up on what has been a strong week for the manufacturer: “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 is paramount, and the ATR -600 family is making a difference, offering sustainability, comfort, reliability, and unrivaled economics.”
“This is why our forecast predicts a total market of close to 2,500 aircraft over the next 20 years.”
The manufacturer has made strong progress, and the additional aircraft added to the backlog will help preserve longevity. With around 2,450 regional aircraft needed, ATR is leading the way with this.
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