Aircraft

Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR booked 63 new aircraft orders and 25 options in 2006, meeting its $700 million revenue forecast.

The new orders cover seven ATR 42-50s and 56 ATR 72-500s. ATR is claiming 60% market share for the year, during which it delivered 24 aircraft and secured 11 new operators.  This performance compares with 15 deliveries in 2005.

Its revenues hit $700 million, marking roughly 30% growth on 2005 and meeting the forecast set by the manufacturer last January.

Speaking during a media briefing in Paris this morning, ATR chief executive Filippo Bagnato said that 2006 confirmed the strong recovery of the turboprop which became apparent in 2005.

He is unfazed by the drop in orders, which stood at 90 in 2005, noting this year’s performance still confirms the market trend seen after its bumper year in 2005.

ATR's backlog at the end of the year stood at 124 aircraft, 40% up on the prior year.

ATR also announced the order by Brazilian regional carrier Transportes Regionais do Interior Paulista (TRIP) for seven new ATR 72-500s with options for a further five of the twin turboprops.

TRIP currently operates a fleet including five ATR 42-320s and a single ATR 72, but this deal is its first new ATR order, and the first for the ATR 72-500 in Brazil.