Closing up the week at the Paris Air Show, let’s take a look back at ATR’s short but sweet successes at Le Bourget.
This recap effectively covers just the one day of trading, as they unveiled all of their orders all at once via a press briefing.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Overview of ATR’s 24 Confirmed Orders at the Paris Air Show…
ATR took an Embraer-like approach at the Paris Air Show by showing all of their cards in one hand, or in this case, the space of an hour or two.
The 22 firm and two options are as follows:
- 6 ATR 72-600 from Mandarin Airlines
- 2 ATR 72-600 with “All-Business Class” premium configuration from Berjaya Air
- 3 ATR 72-600 from Azul, plus options for 2 additional aircraft
- 8 ATR 72-600 from 3 undisclosed customers
- 3 ATR 42-600 from 2 undisclosed customers.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer commented on these orders:
“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.”
Highlight #1: Berjaya Air Goes For All-Business Class Layout…
One of the highlights within the 22 firm and two options was Berjaya Air’s order for 2 ATR 72-600 aircraft, which will feature an all-business class layout.
They will have a 1-1 layout with individual outboard side stowage. Deliveries are planned for 2025 and 2026.
Berjaya’s owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan said: “Berjaya’s vision is to offer passengers a unique VIP experience, with the highest level of comfort and operational efficiency, while also focusing on sustainability.”
“Our ATR aircraft equipped with the ATR HighLine collection will help us make the most preserved destinations accessible to our guests with the most comfortable, responsible and future-minded aircraft on the market.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “We fully share Berjaya Air’s vision that there should not be any compromises between passenger experience, accessibility and sustainability.”
“Their premium positioning further proves the versatility of our aircraft, which uniquely enable operators to benefit from exceptional comfort, unrivalled airport accessibility and low emissions on regional routes.”
Highlight 2: ATR Assists With Mandarin Airlines’ Fleet Expansion…
The other highlight was from Mandarin Airlines signing a deal for six ATR 72-600 aircraft at the Paris Air Show, which will help fuel expansion with the carrier.
These aircraft will be delivered from end 2023 through to 2025. The turboprops will join the airline’s existing fleet of nine ATR 72-600 to serve the demand of the Taiwanese market.
“Expanding our ATR fleet will enable us to add capacity on existing routes and create new services to continue stimulating the local economy and tourism across Taiwan with the lowest emission regional aircraft”, said Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of Mandarin Airlines.
“The unbeatable fuel efficiency of the ATR 72-600, further reinforced by the new PW127XT engine certified for 50% SAF blend, along with its versatility and comfort, make it possible for us to offer our passengers comfortable, reliable, affordable and responsible air services.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “Since they introduced ATRs in their fleet in 2017, Mandarin Airlines have been able to increase flight frequencies on existing routes, opening up new opportunities for their communities affordably and responsibly.”
“The airline’s renewed confidence is the most gratifying testimony of the value that our aircraft bring to their operations and a great sign of rebound of the Asian market.”
Another Steady Week for the Regional Planemaker…
Whilst it was a relatively stable week for the manufacturer, the orders secured are lower than the 58 that they announced at the Farnborough Air Show last July.
However, there are positives for them to take away from this. Despite continued tensions on the supply chain, the manufacturer is on track to achieve its 40+ delivery objective for 2023.
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 talents, targeting a 12% employee increase this year.
What remains clear is that the manufacturer are remaining pretty comfortable at the moment, and all eyes are on them to see how many orders they can get post-Paris Air Show.
