ATR reaches 144 firm orders in 1H2014, sales up 150%, sees four year backlog expanding

ATR announced (14-Jul-2014) it received orders for 144 aircraft, comprising 119 ATR 72-600s and 25 ATR 42-600s since the beginning of 2014. It has also taken options for 112 aircraft. The 2014 contracts, of which many will be revealed during the week of the Farnborough Airshow, represent a total value of over USD3.45 billion, and USD6 billion including options. These sales represent an increase of 150% compared to the total sales for the year 2013. ATR's backlog currently stands at 325 aircraft to be delivered in the coming years, a new record, representing a value of USD8 billion. On the back of this sales performance in the first half the year, ATR has increased its end of 2013 backlog by around 45%, seeing production ensured for almost four years. ATR CEO Patrick de Castelbajac said the company's performance over 1H2014 shows the strong market demand and said ATR "must continue to increase our production rates and to develop our range of products in order to reinforce our leadership." [more - original PR]