Today, 4 November 2021 marks the ATR’s 40-year anniversary, celebrating the milestones achieved in the regional aviation sector by the company over the past four decades. ATR is exploiting this milestone to look to the future, as it continues to incorporate innovative and sustainable technologies into its aircraft.
On this day in 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 of the aircraft and has sold 1,700 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 delivers 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.
The aircraft has also proven itself in the military aviation sector, with many versions, in particular the maritime patrol version, being adopted by several air arms across the world. Such Air Arms include the Turkish Navy, Italian Air Force, Italian Guardia Di Finanza, Italian Coast Guard, Nigerian Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Thailand Air Force, Myanmar Air Force, Gabon Air Force, and the Government of Algeria.
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.”
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