Taking turboprop efficiency to a new level ATR

TAKING TURBOPROP

EFFICIENCY TO A NEW LEVEL

ATR is the global leader in the design and manufacture of short-haul regional transport aircraft. Philip Yorke looks at the remarkable success of the company and reports on its strategy for future growth and its plans to launch a larger 90-seat model.

IN the 32 years since ATR (Avions de Transport Regional) was formed by the merger of France’s Aerospatiale with Aeritalia of Italy, the company has designed and manufactured more than 1030 aircraft. Currently ATR produces two advanced turboprop models: ATR 42 and ATR 72. The design of these aircraft is based upon a high-wing turboprop configuration that optimises efficiency, increases operating flexibility and offers low maintenance, as well as providing an exceptional degree of passenger comfort. The unparalleled success of the ATR range with its state-of-the-art turboprop and navigational technology opens new opportunities for ATR in terms of global sales.

Today ATR is one of the world’s leading aerospace companies and the largest manufacturer of regional aircraft with over 180 operators worldwide. Headquartered in

Toulouse, in southern France, ATR employs over 1100 people across Europe and in 2012 recorded sales of more than USD 1.44 billion.

New generation

ATR’s new generation of regional aircraft, the ATR 600 series, which includes both 72 and 42 models, have become the world’s shorthaul aeroplanes of choice. These ultra-modern aircraft feature the world’s most technologically advanced avionics, including a cockpit that was inspired by the latest Airbus A380 technology. This advanced avionics suite results in a significant reduction in pilot stress and workload, as well as offering increased reliability and operational efficiency. ATR’s latest 600 series provides outstanding performance at take-off on short runways with increased payloads, which in turn allows airlines to optimise their operations in key regional markets.

Modern energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates the stylish passenger service units (PSUs) on the ATR 600 series and the aircraft’s new seating provides improved comfort and additional legroom for passengers. The new generation’s cabins also benefit from wider overhead bins which are able to house larger roll-bags than any other turboprop aircraft. In addition, the new generation 600 series offers a very quiet cabin thanks to its built-in acoustic treatment and dynamic vibration absorbers. This is in addition to offering the advantage of lower emissions and enhanced passenger comfort on board the 600 series.

The ATR 72-600 and 42-600 are the most recently certified aircraft of their passenger categories and both have now entered into service worldwide. This latest generation of regional aircraft from ATR also offers significant economic advantages when compared to other regional turboprops or short-haul jets, the most important being significantly lower fuel consumption and improved ability to operate on shorter runways and routes.

For example, on a typical regional route an ATR 600 series aircraft burns typically 30 per cent less fuel than its main competitors and up to 50 per cent less when compared to an equivalent sized jet.

Emerging markets driving demand

The world’s fastest growing economies are driving global demand for more efficient shorthaul air transport. Out of all deliveries made in 2012 almost 65 per cent went to airlines operating in the fast growing markets of Asia, Latin America and Russia. The success of ATR sales in these regions is the result of a long-term investment strategy and its ability to meet the changing needs of the avionics industry.

Filippo Bagnato, ATR’s chief executive officer said, “Domestic transportation plays an essential role in the development of these emerging markets and we play a significant role in supporting this increase in air traffic. The mature markets such as Europe and the USA will also bring us many replacement opportunities in the near future. Interestingly, aircraft leasing companies have also seen strong growth and represented around 18 per cent of our sales over the last few years. Between them they have purchased more than 50 ATR aircraft to date, proving that we continue to be increasingly attractive to aircraft lessors.

“The future for ATR looks very bright, with a record backlog of more than 200 aeroplanes, which represents three years production. In the years ahead we will be bringing our annual production up to 90 aircraft per annum which

will increase our turnover to over USD 2 billion – that’s four times the size we were in 2005.”

Possibly the most exciting development at ATR currently is that it is considering the launch a 90 seat version of its current 600 series. In the future, ATR expects that about one third of the market for all short-haul regional aircraft will be for 90 seat models.

Continuous programme of innovation

Even though the ATR 600 series is now fully certified and in service worldwide, the company has a continuous improvement policy aimed at introducing further advanced navigational aids and approach performance technology to enable the aircraft to be more independent from the ground. As part of this continuous improvement programme, ATR also strives to further minimise the overall environmental impact of its delivered products, processes and services.

The high-tech, turboprop engines used on ATR’s aircraft ensure that airlines can benefit from their unrivalled fuel efficiency and remarkably low noise levels, as well as from their exceptional environmental performance. With a fleet of more than 900 ATRs in service around the world, the company is also committed to ensuring that it constantly assesses and updates its customer support policy and therefore continues to establish sales training facilities and customer service centres worldwide. n

For further details of STR’s advanced turboprop aircraft visit: www.atraircraft.com