ATR showed an outstanding resistance in 2003 despite the crisis
Toulouse, 20 January 2004
The European consortium ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) with headquarters in Toulouse (France) announced today that despite a planned difficult year, its 2003 results are encouraging.
1. Commercial Status
New Aircraft Sales
On the new aircraft market ATR has logged a total of 10 orders.
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 676 aircraft (380 ATR 42s and 296 ATR 72s). The ATR is operated by 115 airlines.
| Airline | Country | ATR 42-500 | ATR 72-500 |
| Air Tahiti | French Polynesia | 2 | - |
| Guardia di Finanza | Italy | 1 | - |
| CSA | Czech Republic | 7 | - |
| Total | - | 10 ATR 42-50 | - |
New aircraft Deliveries
In 2003, ATR delivered 9 aircraft to 7 airlines. 5 deliveries along with 5 orders to Khalifa Airways have been cancelled after the collapse of the Algerian airline.
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has delivered 661 aircraft (372 ATR 42s and 289 ATR 72s).
| Airline | Country | ATR 42-500 | ATR 72-500 |
| Air Caraïbes | Guadeloupe | - | 1 |
| Air Tahiti | French Polynesia | 1 | - |
| Alitalia | Italy | - | 1 |
| ANZ | New Zealand | - | 1 |
| Bangkok Airways | Thailand | - | 3 |
| Gouvernement Polynésie Française | French Polynesia | 1 | - |
| Guardia di Finanza | Italy | 1 | - |
| Total | - | 3 ATR 42-500 | 6 ATR 72-500 |
Second hand & Cargo aircraft business
On the second hand aircraft market, ATR registered once again a strong activity with 43 aircraft transactions (31 ATR 42s and 12 ATR 72s) including 15 cash sales.
On the cargo conversion programme, the Large Cargo Door, developed by outfitter Aeronavali has been certified for the ATR 42 with Northern Air Cargo (Alaska) as launch customer. The Large Cargo Door was certified for the ATR 72 in 2002.
Operations & Customer Services
ATR once again demonstrated in 2003 its constant capacity for innovation and improvement of its products and services in order to satisfy the customers and market demand.
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During the last Paris Air show, ATR unveiled its new commercial policy in terms of Customer Services: reduction of the 2003 catalogue prices on spare parts by an average of 8% and launching of a Customer Loyalty Programme branded I-CARE. This programme covers training, maintenance and spare parts.
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ATR also presented in 2002 the “Elégance” cabin proposed as an option on the –500 series aircraft. This new cabin interior has been developed to further enhance the level of comfort for passengers.
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Sales of services registered a strong growth in 2003 (in particular the Global Maintenance Agreement)
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ATR is one of the first aircraft manufacturers to have been certified ISO 9001-2000 and EN/AS/JISQ 9100, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics.
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The certification covers all ATR activities for design, manufacturing, sales and servicing of ATR 42 and 72 aircraft.
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ATR has opened an office in Beijing in order to strengthen its presence in an area which is witnessing record economic growth. This office covers China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. ATR is already established in the Asia Pacific area with a support and marketing office in Singapore and a Training centre in Bangkok. China has also been significantly involved for many years in the manufacturing of full sections of the ATR 72 fuselage and ATR 42 wings.
2. 2004 perspectives
ATR forecasts the recovery of the market for 2004.
The spanish carrier Binter Canarias has just signed a contract for 6 ATR 72-500 (see ATR press released issued today).
For 2004, ATR has set the objective to sell between 15 and 20 new aircraft and has planned to deliver about 15 aircraft.
On the second hand market, ATR should sign between 30 and 35 contracts.
The AEROChain e-business site, launched with Embraer, will be accessible to ATR customers during the course of the first quarter 2004. In comparison with the existing site, it will also be possible to purchase spare parts online. Technical documentation will also be available.
ATR website: www.atraircraft.com
Contact:
| Frédéric Lahache |
Tel.: 33 5 62 21 60 61 Fax: 33 5 62 21 68 00 www.atraircraft.com mailto: frederic.lahache@atr.fr |
