MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / PARIS
ATR has reiterated its long-term commitment to the new-build turboprop market as it launches a major study into the regional sector to help it define its strategy.
The Toulouse-based manufacturer delivered 19 new aircraft last year and secured 16 orders - a result that chief executive Jean-Michel Leonard says was "in line with expectations". Its firm backlog numbers 24 aircraft.
ATR, a 50/50 joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica and EADS, was restructured into an integrated company 18 months ago, and Leonard says it has set an objective of producing a minimum of 18 aircraft annually to break even. As part of the restructuring, ATR's head count was reduced by 20% globally to around 600.
Efficiency gains from the restructuring have ensured that 2002's financial results are "well beyond target", says Leonard, adding "turnover remained stable in comparison with 2001".
"Profitability was achieved," says ATR senior vice-president commercial Paulo Revelli-Beaumont.
Leonard expects output this year to remain stable at around 20 aircraft, and orders to be at a similar level. "We expect to sell 20 aircraft, perhaps 25," he says. Assembly time is being reduced from three to two months in March.
Leonard says general consensus identifies a market for 40-60 new turboprops a year, and ATR is committed to continuing production. "We have launched RAMPS - regional aircraft market prospective study - a think-tank to understand how the market could change fundamentally in the long term," he says. The study will consult airlines, airports, suppliers and organisations to help ATR understand the airlines' needs in five to 10 years' time, as it defines its long-term strategy.
Source: Flight International
