LONDON – Italo-French manufacturer ATR said it delivered 31 aircraft and secured 35 orders in 2021.
As a mid-and long-term outlook, the company also plans to expand its presence in freighter and replacement markets.
Speaking at the annual press conference, CEO Stefano Bortoli said: “We have seen a clear upward trend in 2021, with positive signs from a recovering market. This is not only due to improved economic conditions but also to our response to the challenges imposed by the pandemic.”
The freighter market is growing strongly, and ATR forecasts demand 460 freighters over 20 years in the up to nine tonnes category.
The Toulouse-based manufacturer reported that most of the 10 second-hand aircraft delivered in 2021 have been converted for cargo operations.
The replacement market could represent further opportunities for ATR with a potential of 1,200 turboprops in the 30 to 70-seat category.
In this context, the manufacturer aims to enhance its presence in growing markets like Japan, South Asia, and Africa, which need to increase domestic and cross-border connections.
ATR is also confident that developments are seen in the last two years, such as the e-commerce boom and decentralization of economic activities, represent a growth opportunity for the regional aviation sector.
In 2022 ATR will bring the new, more efficient PW127XT engine to market. The Toulouse-based manufacturer will also perform a test flight in Spring with Braathens Regional Airlines and Neste, aiming to complete the 100% SAF certification of its aircraft by 2025.
Fabrice Vautier, SVP Commercial, added: “Our core mission is to provide essential regional connectivity. 40% of our operators are serving mainly essential services and 85% of ATR operations are domestic.”
“We expect these percentages to grow in 2022. Covid has accelerated some trends, such as the development of e-commerce and the shift to homeworking.”
“This leads to an increase in demand to travel from smaller airports and creates new opportunities for regional operators.”
