ATR helps ‘connect’ India

Regional airlines generally cater to smaller cities and remote areas that have few alternatives for ground or air travel, often as a result of difficult geography or low population density. India exemplifies how the efficiency and adaptability of ATR aircraft enhance regional connectivity, especially under the UDAN scheme. ALEXIS VIDAL, ATR's SVP (Commercial) spells out the mantra that helps ATR connect the dots across India.

- ALEXIS VIDAL

As the global leader in regional aircraft with a 40 per cent order surge in 2024, what strategic and market factors are driving ATR's sustained success in the evolving aviation landscape?

ATR's leadership in regional aviation is driven by the growing demand for fast, affordable and reliable connections between regions, across both mature and developing markets. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, communities want and need regional flights, for business opportunities, to see their loved ones, for healthcare, education, or even just food. ATR aircraft are specifically designed for these short-haul operations, making them highly attractive to airlines looking to expand or even develop connectivity in underserved areas efficiently, profitably and responsibly.

Regional airlines typically serve smaller cities and remote regions with limited ground or air travel alternatives, often due to challenging geography or low population density. These include island nations, mountainous regions, and arctic and remote territories, but also dense urban areas with short runways, and rapidly growing population centres where ground infrastructure remains scarce.

India is a great example of how the efficiency and versatility of ATR aircraft support regional connectivity, particularly under the UDAN scheme. This government initiative has been instrumental in fostering the growth of regional airlines that rely on ATRs to connect underserved regions.