ATR delivers 64 aircraft, takes 74 orders in 2012

ATR reported (23-Jan-2013) it delivered 64 aircraft in 2012, an increase of 18% over 2011 deliveries. The turboprop aircraft manufacturer secured orders for 74 aircraft, as well as 41 options, with 11 customers. ATR held a backlog of 221 aircraft as at the end of 2012, valued at USD5 billion, the largest backlog for a regional aircraft manufacturer for aircraft up to 90 seats. The backlog is equivalent to nearly three year's production for ATR. ATR recorded sales with Malaysia Airlines, TransAsia Airways and Lao Airlines and opened up new markets in Central and South America with a sale to Avianca-TACA. ATR also renewed its success with airlines operating island networks, including Air Tahiti and LIAT, as well as with leasing companies such as Air Lease Corporation and Nordic Aviation Capital. ATR also delivered aircraft to an Austrian airline (InterSky) for the first time, and won a repeat order from Irish airline Aer Arann. ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato said the company's production ramp-up in 2012 "is a perfect illustration of the strong market demand for ATR aircraft". [more - original PR]