ATR cites the recent request for proposals (RFP) by Qantas for a large fleet of turboprops as evidence that there is still a bright future for propeller-driven airliners.
"Last week, we received an RFP from Qantas for a large fleet of 50-70 seat turboprops to replace its Bombardier Dash 8s," says ATR senior vice president Paolo Revelli-Beaumont.
Qantas currently employs a fleet of around 30 Dash 8s on regional services throughout Australia, and is seeking replacement bids from ATR and rival Bombardier for its Dash 8-derived Q Series.
Revelli-Beaumont concedes that the installed fleet of Bombardier aircraft will make the competition "tough".
This deal, when confirmed, would be one of the largest for turboprops in recent years as the regional market is dominated by jets.
The European manufacturer, a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica and EADS, says it has suffered from the effects of the Iraq war and SARS, and has taken just two new orders this year - ATR 42-500s for delivery to Air Tahiti in December this year and June 2004. However it remains confident it will reach its target of selling 20 new ATRs this year.
It has also placed 16 secondhand ATRs so far in 2003 - about half the target set for the entire year. A new Indian regional airline - Air Deccan - is taking four secondhand ATR 42-320s this year which it will be used on services within Southern India.
Source: Flight Daily News
