ATR outlines plan for recovery in 2021 and beyond

ATR is determined to emerge stronger from the COVID crisis by strengthening its global presence in the next decade and by continuing to offer the most sustainable and modern option for regional air travel.

In 2020, ATR was quick to react to the circumstances by supporting its customers with rapid freight conversion solutions, sanitary tutorials as well as storage and maintenance instructions. Last year, ATR delivered 10 aircraft and received six gross orders. 2020 saw nine new operators using ATR aircraft and 84 new routes opened. The first purpose-built freighter (ATR 72-600F) was also delivered to FedEx.

ATR’s plan for recovery includes The implementation of incremental improvements into the aircraft family, to enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs through system upgrades and state-of-the-art avionics, maintaining the competitive and environmental advantage we offer to our customers.

Following the delivery of the first new purpose built freighter to FedEx, ATR is well positioned to benefit from the resilience of the cargo market, already at pre-Covid level. Air cargo is expected  to double its capacity in the next 20 years, and point to point express deliveries can best be served by our aircraft.The Short Take Off and Landing variant of the ATR42-600 will open a range of opportunities in airports with airstrips between 800 and 1,000 m.

Stefano Bortoli, CEO of ATR, stated: “2020 has been a challenging year for the travel industry, and we will not see an improvement until the end of the current year. However, the vital connectivity that regional air travel has offered throughout the crisis, have made the ATR more attractive for Europe and North America, while turboprops remain the best choice for several underserved regions, where land infrastructure is not a practical choice, in Asia, Latin America and Africa.”

As a regional overview, Asia Pacific represents ATR’s largest market with 37% of the total ATR fleet, 30% in Europe, 23% in Americas and 10% in Africa and Middle-East. Turboprops represent 50% of all regional aircraft sales since 2010.

 
Vincent Chappard

Vincent Chappard

Vincent is an aerospace editor and consultant based in Paris.