TURBOPROPS ARE THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL AVIATION: ATR

With the government planning to create hundreds of new short routes, the importance of ATRs will grow.

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India has around 70 ATR aircraft in operation and is the 2nd-largest market for this company, after Indonesia. In the next 20 years, India will require around 210 additional turboprops. This expansion is expected to unlock 900 new city pairs, 62% of which will involve Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and generate 90 million additional passengers annually, says Jean-Pierre Clercin, Head of APAC Region, ATR.

ATR is the world’s top aircraft manufacturer in regional aviation. What are your expansion plans for unexplored regions?

Asia-Pacific remains a fast-growing region, with India and Southeast Asia leading the way. In India, through the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, the government plans to increase the number of airports to 230 by 2030 and create hundreds of new short routes. This is precisely where ATR aircraft deliver the best economics and performance. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia are investing heavily in regional aviation to connect islands and underserved communities. These geographies are perfect for ATR turboProps which can operate on short runways and provide affordable, reliable connectivity. There is also strong potential in Africa where governments are investing in airport infrastructure and regional mobility.

Of your three variants-ATR 42-600, ATR 72-600 and ATR 72-600F (freighter)-which is the most popular?