ATR Input in Africa

ATR has been a key participant at the 27th African Aviation Summit from 22-24 May, in Johannesburg. The event allows stakeholders from the African Aviation industry to discuss and address the latest developments within the industry.

Lasting three days, the summit was comprised of panels covering a range of current topics, such as Network & Route Development, Financing and Aviation Law. ATR have made important contributions to two panels. Our Customer & Structured Finance Director, Nicolas Abraham, was part of a panel addressing Airline Financing in Africa alongside representatives from African and European banks as well as major aircraft manufacturers. Nicolas stressed that, developmental finance, from the World Bank or the IMF for example, should include aviation – especially regional aviation – as a source of economic growth alongside infrastructure projects.

ATR’s Vice-President of Sales for Africa, Dominique Dumas also addressed the conference as part of a panel providing an update on Aircraft and Engine Programmes. Dominique underlined the fact that the ATR product family remains the cheapest and easiest solution adaptable to customer needs. Indeed ATR is enjoying full commonality across the two models with capacity ranging from 48 to 78 seats.

 Africa remains a key market for ATR. Air Senegal’s two ATRs recently began operations and are now providing essential connectivity throughout the country. ATR toured West Africa last December, highlighting the advantages of our -600 aircraft to African airlines, VIPs and decision makers in Mali, Ghana and Burkina Faso. Today around 100 ATRs are operated by 30 airlines in 18 African countries. A great opportunity to upgrade these fleets with the -600 series lies ahead of us and a solid base to further expand our presence across the growing African market.