The Air Deccan deal will triple ATR's order backlog to 44 aircraft - its healthiest level for several years.
Amid declining orders, the manufacturer was forced to cut deliveries in 2003 to fewer than 10 aircraft, from around 20 the year before, but increased shipments slightly last year to 13 aircraft. In 2004, 12 orders for new aircraft were taken, taking its yearend backlog at 14 orders.
Half of the new order is a "cash deal" for which the airline will arrange financial leases, says ATR, while the remainder will be taken on operating lease from third parties. Part of the order is being fulfilled with whitetail aircraft already built.
Source: Flight International
