40th anniversary of ATR - shaping the future of regional aviation

ATR 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.