ATR sees gap in MENA fleets to grow turboprop opportunities

ATR manager of market strategy stated Bertrand Pabon turboprop use relative to regional jet use is much lower in the Middle East than in other regional globally and there is "clearly room to grow" for turboprops in the region (Arabian Aerospace, 14-Mar-2011). ATR stated there are currently 257 routes operating in the region over distances below 300 nm, of which 30% are international and the rest are domestic. Fifty of these routes are served by narrowbody aircraft but do not have daily frequency.

ATR: "Usually we see an average of 38% turboprop versus narrowbodies in the regional markets but in the Middle East the average is as low as 22%. There is clearly room to grow. There is the offer of additional opportunities. No geographical constraints but hidden opportunities in areas such as adventurous luxury leisure, hostile area support, remote estate service," Bertrand Pabon, manager of market strategy. Source: Arabian Aerospace, 14-Mar-2011.