With an impressive order backlog and plans to increase output, regional aircraft manufacturer ATR looks set to shine in 2023.
Like all manufacturers during Covid, ATR has weathered three difficult years. After the struggle, and being met with a complicated economic and political climate, many indications point to the likelihood that ATR will perform strongly.
Supply chains not an issue
Despite the industry facing supply chain issues and bottlenecks, the European regional airliner successfully delivered 25 new and 11 pre-owned aircraft in 2022.
With these impressive numbers, ATR’s global fleet is now nearing pre-2020 numbers with 1,200 aircraft taking to the skies, and the current order books now standing at 160 aircraft.
ATR is effectively overcoming supply chain issues. This may set ATR apart from other major aircraft manufacturers.
Setting new milestones
The ATR is an excellent aircraft for airlines to test the waters in an age increasingly demanding green efficiency. Last year alone, over 150 new routes were created by ATR aircraft alone!
Thanks to the aircraft’s efficient economics and agility which allows airlines to explore new routes at lower risks than other aircraft.
Moreover, as an important parcel in lowering carbon emissions, ATR, the first commercial aircraft flew its first flight on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flight in history, using the ultra-new Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engine which was certified into service at that time.
Added capabilities
Furthermore, not only can ATR perform as a regional aircraft, but it is a robust workhorse for remote regions.
The European manufacturer has successfully completed the first test flight of the ATR 42-600S which is the Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) variant, capable of landing and take off in short runways.
It also launched a feasibility report for ATR’s next-generation EVO concept. This progress shows that ATR is committed to increasing connectivity in rural areas, and enhancing sustainability and innovation to greater heights.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR Chief Executive Officer, said: “The goal for 2023 is to maintain our position as the leading regional aircraft manufacturer, by targeting at least 40 deliveries, with the ambition to ramp up production to 80 aircraft in the coming years.”
“With their unbeatable economics, latest technologies, and unrivalled environmental performance, ATR aircraft are what customers need to operate their routes profitably, despite inflation and energy uncertainty.”
“What drives us is that sustainable regional aviation has the power to improve lives globally, providing vital connections to communities and economies, which translates into Gross Domestic Product increases and employment.”
Further growth
With the world now out of the pandemic woods, ATR plans to take advantage of this period to grow exponentially. ATR will capitalize on the growth of passenger traffic levels, and the need for high replacements for regional aircraft, with 1,500 turboprops needed for the next two decades.
The underserved market according to the manufacturer is the United States, especially for the freighter segment. ATR is also evaluating new markets such as VIP, corporate, governmental, and humanitarian operations.
