ATR Celebrates 40-year Anniversary and Looks to Shape Future of Regional Aviation
- 1,800 aircraft sold over the company’s four decade history
- ATR to further incorporate innovative technologies in its aircraft to serve local communities and regions sustainably
Toulouse, 4 November 2021 – ATR today marks its 40-year anniversary, celebrating key breakthroughs for regional aviation over the past four decades. The market-leading turboprop manufacturer will also use this milestone to look to the future, as it continues to incorporate innovative and sustainable technologies into its aircraft.
On November 4 1981, ATR’s founding partners – Aerospatiale of France and Aeritalia of Italy – signed the agreement that sealed the shared ambition to produce an aircraft designed for regional connectivity. With an initial business case for a few hundred aircraft, 40 years later, the ATR family now has four versions and ATR has sold 1,800 aircraft. The programme’s enduring success stems from a design that set a benchmark in innovation, incorporating composite materials for the first time. This initial technological leap has since been supplemented by the company’s dedication to continuous development, integrating new technology that deliver tangible benefits to passengers and operators alike.
Burning 40% less fuel, emitting 40% less CO2 than regional jets and able to serve the world’s most challenging runways, the ATR is the go-to aircraft to provide essential connectivity, sustainably. The combination of this fuel efficiency and versatility, has made it the perfect tool to deliver regional connectivity to local communities, supporting people to connect for business, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities.
ATR has built strong foundations with which to enter the next phase of regional aviation and has set ambitious milestones in the years to come:
- Fly on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) by 2025
- Deliver the ATR 42-600S Short Take-Off and Landing version by 2025 and open up connectivity to 500 additional airports with short runways
- Expand the regional freighter offer with the ATR72-600F, tapping into the demand for 460 regional freighters over the next 20 years.
Stefano Bortoli, CEO of ATR said: “Our story is one of innovation and progress. Over four decades, we have brought connectivity and economic opportunity to remote regions across the globe. Most importantly, we will continue to make a difference, connecting people, businesses and local communities in a sustainable way over the next 40 years. We will support our customers by providing them with the latest available technologies, paving the way for zero-emission aviation by 2050.”
ATR industrial sites in Toulouse are also celebrating this milestone, starting with a fly over from the ATR aircraft family and other employee events throughout the day.
To stay up-to-date with all of ATR’s activities for the 40-year anniversary, follow us on Twitter (@atraircraft), Linkedin (ATR), Instagram (atraircraft) and Facebook (@atraircraft): #40years #40thAnniversary #4november #40YearsOfMakingADifference
Watch video:
Share this article
Press Contacts
About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open over 130 new routes every year on average, burn 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.