ATR recorded its best show at the 50th edition of the Paris Air Show. Speaking to SP’s Aviation, ATR officials gave out details about the company’s performance. at the show.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How was the show for you this year?

ATR: This has been the best Paris Air Show ever for ATR aircraft (173 sales, including 83 firm orders).

The success seen during the air show sets a new record for ATR’s order book, which now comprises over 270 firm aircraft orders for an estimated $6.5 billion ( Rs. 39,000 crore). The current order book also ensures ATR’s production until the end of 2016, and company recognition in the medium term. During the show, ATR announced orders from markets which have proved among the most promising in recent years: the aircraft leasing companies and Latin America.

SP’s: What success stories you concluded at the show and can you please share them with us?

ATR: Definitely, the huge order with the lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) for 90 aircraft. The European turboprop manufacturer ATR and the Danish leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital signed a historic agreement for the sale of 90 ATR 600s, including 35 firm orders (30 ATR 72-600s and five ATR 42-600s). The contract, including options, amounts to over $2.1 billion ( Rs. 12,600 crore) NAC, which has signed several orders for new ATRs over the past three years, already has the largest fleet of ATRs in the world with over hundred aircraft. With the progressive arrival of the 30 additional ATR 72-600s and five ATR 42-600s into its fleet, NAC’s ATR portfolio will exceed 150 aircraft by 2016.

SP’s: Did the tricky weather disrupt or affect your business interactions during the show?

ATR: No, we manage also these kind of situations and we support our customers.

SP’s: Can you indicate on which specific innovations were introduced by your company at the show?

ATR: Well, definitely it was the confirmation of the interest in ATR from lessors and airlines in South America (Passaredo, Avianca).

SP’s: Which programme of your company is the most innovative one today and what kind of transformation will it bring for the market once available for potential users?

ATR: The ATR 72-600 has become the most successful regional aircraft in terms of sales in recent years.

SP’s: Which part of the world looks like the most promising market at this point of time and why?

ATR: ATR is still achieving great success in countries in South East Asia and Latin America, and increasingly with leasing firms.