ATR is evaluating a further production rate hike from 2007 following the signing of the order from Kingfisher Airlines for 20 ATR 72-500s, plus 15 options.
The EADS/Finmeccanica joint venture has experienced a sudden turnaround in sales fortunes this year with firm orders for 90 aircraft signed since January. Production had already been set to rise from 16 this year to 24 in 2006 and a minimum of 30 in 2007, but higher output is now being considered, says ATR senior vice-president commercial John Moore. “We are looking at scenarios of up to 40 aircraft annually from 2007, to meet demand,” he says.
Source: Flight International
