At their annual press conference in Toulouse today, ATR presented an optimistic outlook, as they recapped their 2021 achievements. Among milestones last year, the airframer delivered 31 aircraft, secured 35 orders and introduced the new Pratt & Whitney 127XT engine.
On Tuesday (February 8, 2022), ATR reported an optimistic outlook from their annual press conference held at the company’s new Customer Experience Studio in Toulouse, while highlighting several important milestones achieved in 2021. During 2021, the airframer delivered 31 new aircraft and 10 second-hand to customers on five continents, while receiving 25 orders for new aircraft, including Letters of Intent. Last year, ATR also introduced the new Pratt & Whitney 127XT engine series which offers a three percent reduction in fuel consumption, while offering a maintenance cost reduction of 20 percent compared to current engines. The 127XT will become the new standard on ATR 42 and 72 aircraft, with Air Corsica becoming the launch customer.
Speaking from the company’s new Customer Experience Studio in Toulouse on Tuesday, ATR’s 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. We have continued to invest in our product, offering concrete solutions so that our customers can operate their aircraft with the most sustainable business model. Our teams made a big leap forward towards sustainable regional aviation, with an improved engine offer and by charting a path towards flying with 100% sustainable aviation fuels. All of which contributes to making air services more accessible, and more affordable. That’s the ATR spirit and values: we never stop working towards our goal of connecting people and businesses sustainably in all regions of the world.”
Also commenting at today’s press conference, ATR’s Senior Vice President – Commercial, Fabrice Vautier, said,
“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. ATR has a significant role to play, offering sustainability, comfort, reliability and unparalleled economics. The combination of these parameters is unique to us.”
ATR Highlights 2021 Milestones and Accomplishments - Courtesy ATR
During 2021, ATR delivered their 1,600th aircraft and also signed their 1,800th order. The company also launched the industrialization of their short takeoff and landing aircraft version. Additionally, a Letter of Intent was signed with Braathens Regional Airlines and Neste to accelerate the certification process for ATR aircraft to operate with 100 percent SAF.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2021, ATR has reached major milestones including 1,800 aircraft orders and 1,600 deliveries. ATR sees strong potential for growth in regional aviation, including a replacement wave of over 900 turboprops in the 30-50 seat categories. The company’s turboprop aircraft represent the optimal and most sustainable choice for regional deployment at the lowest operating costs, and offer the ability to serve isolated communities living near challenging airfields. Over the last decade, ATR has held 75 percent of the turboprop market and 36 percent of the overall regional aircraft market.
Source: ATR