ATR Banks on Resumption of Turboprop Revival
Judging by figures released at a Paris press briefing on January 20, the waning resurgence of the commercial turboprop market has, if anything, resumed at
ATR plans by 2012 to increase annual production to 70 airplanes, mainly ATR 72-600s.
ATR plans by 2012 to increase annual production to 70 airplanes, mainly ATR 72-600s.

Judging by figures released at a Paris press briefing on January 20, the waning resurgence of the commercial turboprop market has, if anything, resumed at a stronger pace than at any time since the segment began reclaiming lost ground from the regional jet market a half-decade ago, at least for Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR. In fact, the EADS-Alenia joint venture appeared to take a commanding lead over its only Western rival in the segment in both sales and back order totals last year.

ATR finished the calendar year with an order total of 80 airplanes and a backlog of 159. Meanwhile, Canada's Bombardier announced orders for just 45 Q400s.