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ATR Archives | LARA

ATR appoints Nathalie Tarnaud Laude as its new CEO

By Featured, People

ATR announces that its Board Members, Airbus and Leonardo, have appointed the new Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, effective from 17 September. Nathalie succeeds Stefano Bortoli following the terms set by ATR’s bylaws. Stefano will take on a new leadership role at Leonardo that will be announced by the company in the upcoming days.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude is currently NHIndustries’ President and Senior Vice President Head of the NH90 Programme for Airbus Helicopters. Prior to this, she held various senior positions at Airbus in strategy, programme, technology and finance. She brings strong strategic and leadership skills, as well as programme execution experience, essential to continue developing ATR as a leader in sustainable regional aviation. Nathalie joined Airbus in 2005 and holds a MBA from London Business School.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude said: “I am honored to join such an exceptional team of passionate and professional individuals, and I look forward to working with all ATR employees, existing and new customers, and our shareholders, to bring the company to the next heights. You can count on all my energy and enthusiasm to continue the ATR extraordinary success story.”

July 27, 2022

FIA2022: ATR finalises sale of ATR 72-600 to Afrijet

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

Afrijet is set to add another ATR 72-600 to its fleet, as ATR finalises the sale of another aircraft to be delivered at the end of the year. This order will bring the Central African airline’s fleet size to six ATR 72-600 by 2023.

The airline initially started with pre-owned ATRs and started to lease the type in 2020. Utilising these aircraft, Afrijet can benefit from the regional turboprop manufacturer’s effectiveness in growing regional networks.

Afrijet CEO, Marc Gaffajoli, says: “Regional connectivity has a significant impact on local economies and community integration. To be effective in Africa an aircraft has to be cost-efficient, reliable and versatile. Moreover, the unique terrain in which Afrijet operates, comprising of the Congo rainforest – the world’s second largest tropical forest after the Amazon – makes an even stronger reason to select the most responsible aircraft on the market for such essential connections.”

Fabrice Vautier, ATR Senior Vice President Commercial, says:  “Most traffic in Africa is concentrated on a few well served routes and there is a real need to connect secondary cities. Afrijet is able to do just that, providing a reliable and comfortable service to local communities.  Accelerating the transition of its fleet to purchase the latest generation of ATR aircraft, is a clear demonstration of Afrijet’s strong business strategy and commitment to sustainable aviation”.

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: Emerald Airlines signs Global Maintenance Agreement with ATR

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

New Irish regional carrier Emerald Airlines and ATR, have signed an eight year Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). Through this contract, which also covers propeller availability and maintenance services for its entire ATR 72-600 fleet, the airline will benefit from the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units.

The ATR 72-600 is the backbone of the Irish regional carrier’s growing fleet, an airline which provides invaluable links for growing communities who can rely on quick and modern access to essential goods and services.

Richard Spencer, Director of Engineering and Fleet at Emerald Airlines said: “We are very pleased to have signed a Global Maintenance Agreement with our partners at ATR. Entering into an agreement and forging a close working relationship with the aircraft manufacturer, will prove to be significantly advantageous in all aspects of our airline. We will no doubt benefit from the team’s vast experience and operational support as we continue to develop Emerald’s network. We look forward to working closely with the team at ATR.”

“An aircraft is only valuable when it is flying,” said David Brigante, Senior Vice-President Customer Support and Services at ATR. “For over 20 years, ATR has been reducing operators’ maintenance costs and increasing time in the air through maintenance and repair. This contributes to making regional air transport ever more reliable, accessible and sustainable. We will be supporting Emerald Airlines at every step of its expansion plan, offering our expertise to ensure it can make the most of its ATR fleet.”

July 20, 2022

FIA2022: New Lessor Abelo signs agreement for 20 ATR aircraft

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

Newly formed Lessor Abelo and ATR, announced the signature of Heads of Agreement for 10 brand new ATR 72-600. The leasing company is also to confirm an order for 10 ATR 42-600S (the Short Take-off and Landing, or STOL, variant) previously signed by Elix Aviation in 2019. First deliveries of the ATR 72-600 will start in 2023, while the first STOL version will be delivered at the end of 2024.

Steve Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Abelo, said: “We firmly believe that turboprops are the technology of today and tomorrow and this is why we are investing in the ATR platform. This new deal is further proof of our commitment to create growth and value for regional operators, providing them with the most modern, profitable and sustainable aircraft on the market. As we are looking to expand and become the go-to lessor of turboprops, our strong links with ATR will prove invaluable.”

Stefano Bortoli, ATR Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Abelo is a perfect partner for ATR and a force to be reckoned with in the regional aviation market. With today’s order for 20 aircraft, they demonstrate their long-term confidence in our product family and shine a light on the many opportunities that exist for operators across the globe. The financial community and leasing companies in particular have been unswerving supporters of ATR throughout the years, and will keep playing a key role.”

ATR new market forecast, unveiled today, shows a strong demand across the world for turboprops over the next 20 years. This appeal for the most responsible and affordable regional aircraft is already confirmed through this new deal, as well as through the fact that the manufacturer has recently managed to place its entire portfolio of second-hand aircraft.

July 19, 2022

FIA2022: Japanese regional airline ORC signs for an ATR 42-600

By Featured, FIA2022

ATR and a Japanese regional airline, ORC (Oriental Air Bridge), signed an order for an ATR 42-600 to further support the airline’s domestic operations in providing reliable essential connectivity in Nagasaki and Fukuoka regions in southern Japan. ORC will also benefit from optimised support from ATR through the Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) which contributes to reduced operators’ maintenance costs and boosts operations.

Kazuhito Tanaka, ORC Senior Managing Director and Representative Director, says “We will start renewing our fleet with the most efficient, affordable and responsible aircraft in the market. With our ATR 42-600, we are investing in a responsible future in line with our strong commitment to operate in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. Our ATR aircraft will allow us to revitalise remote islands around Nagasaki Prefecture by providing lifeline connections with high efficiency and reliable services thanks to our ATR Global Maintenance Agreement.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli, comments “Air routes constitute an essential part of the archipelago’s domestic travel and transportation and as such taking a brand new aircraft with optimised support from the manufacturer is the perfect choice. Our aircraft have demonstrated that they are the right solution to Japan’s requirements, now and in the future. We are pleased to count ORC as one of our new customers and to be able to support them with a common purpose: to provide reliable and sustainable essential connections for communities and businesses from remote places.”

July 19, 2022

FIA2022: Japan’s Feel Air Holdings orders up to 36 ATR aircraft

By Featured, FIA2022

Brand new Japanese regional airline, Feel Air Holdings, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with ATR for up to 36 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday. The company, which aims to revolutionise the Japanese regional aviation sector and ‘change the Japanese sky’, will use its unique franchise business structure to establish a family of 5 regional airlines that will cover different areas in Japan – starting with Feel Air East in 2024.

Feel Air Holdings selected ATR due to reduced CO2 emissions and sustainability record, but also for its performance as a route operator. The airline plans to establish new regional connections throughout Japan, which currently has close to 100 airports, including 10 airports which have short runways of less than 1000m. Moreover, the airline hopes to revitalise the economy and make air travel easy and accessible for all.

The LoI confirms Feel Air’s commitment to the exclusive use of ATR aircraft for its domestic operations, with a fleet that will consist of both ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft, as well as the short take-off and landing variant, the ATR 42-600S, for easier access to smaller regional airports. Feel Air hopes to expand its fleet size by 2 aircraft every year from when it starts commercial operations in 2024.

Mr. Taiichi Kojima, President of Feel Air Holdings, said: “Feel Air Holdings aims to bring a new dynamic to Japanese regional air travel, making it more versatile, more meaningful, and more accessible to all. Thanks to their reduced CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency, ATR aircraft can help us to do this in a sustainable manner, allowing us to contribute actively to local communities while also protecting Japan’s many beautiful natural landscapes.”

Mr. Hideki Ide, Chief Executive Officer of Feel Air Holdings, said: “Over the coming years, Feel Air Holdings will establish at least five regional airlines, with a fleet that will ultimately comprise 36 ATR aircraft. Our fundamental goal is to improve regional air mobility in Japan by connecting local destinations that currently do not have air service, thereby creating stronger links between regional businesses and people, generating new markets, and enriching local economies. ATR aircraft play an essential part in our business strategy because they are the ideal size for such regional operations and demonstrate exceptional operational efficiency.”

Stefano Bortoli, ATR Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Air transport is crucial for Japan’s islands and regions, and the establishment of Feel Air will help connect Japan’s regions affordably and sustainably. At ATR, we want to help ensure that aviation and Feel Air in particular can contribute to a prosperous future for Japan. Together, we will explore many opportunities for our versatile and sustainable turboprops in the coming years, to further support Japan’s economic development and its need for quick, reliable and responsible essential services.“

With 15 ATR aircraft currently in service in Japan, ATR sees the potential for up to 100 ATR aircraft entering service in the future.

July 18, 2022

FIA2022: L3Harris selected as pilot training centre provider for Air Astra

By Featured, FIA2022

L3Harris Technologies has been selected as the pilot training provider for Air Astra, a new airline based in Bangladesh.

L3Harris will deliver type-rating and recurring certifications for Air Astra pilots through 2026. Training will be fulfilled at L3Harris’ state-of-the-art Bangkok Training Centre, which offers modern, fully equipped training environment, including a range of Airbus, Boeing and ATR training devices and systems compliant across Asia-Pacific and other major international aviation authorities.

Air Astra plans to begin commercial flight operations across the domestic network in Bangladesh in September. The type-rating training will provide their pilots with the required skills and license needed to fly their growing fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft.

“We are honoured to be trusted with this vital role as Air Astra launches its operations,” said Alan Crawford, President, L3Harris Commercial Aviation. “We look forward to welcoming their pilots to our Bangkok Training Centre and showcasing our best-in-class simulators, as well as the depth and expertise of our instructors for the platform and their destinations as the airline grows.”

“As a new airline, ensuring the highest quality of training and safety across our operations couldn’t be more important,” said Imran Asif, CEO of Air Astra. “We are delighted to be working with L3Harris to offer our pilots best-in-class training on our modern ATR fleet.”

L3Harris is a significant provider of type-rating training for global airlines. Each program is developed with the customer to ensure delivery of a high-fidelity program based-on the airline’s operating procedures and guidelines.

July 18, 2022

Voyageur Aviation expands portfolio with parts provisioning of ATR aircraft type

By General News

Chorus Aviation Inc. (‘Chorus’) announced that its subsidiary, Voyageur Aviation Corp. (‘Voyageur’), has added ATR 42 and 72 aircraft types to its product offering, further diversifying Chorus’ business and cross-company support capabilities.

“The growth momentum for Voyageur Avparts continues,” said Gary Gilbert, Vice President Avparts, Voyageur. “Expanding our parts sales and provisioning with ATR components was a logical next move for Voyageur, especially given Chorus’ recent acquisition of Falko Regional Aircraft – further bolstering Chorus’ position as a premier full-service provider in regional aviation. We are fortunate to capitalize on our companies’ synergies to further support regional aircraft customers at every stage of an aircraft’s lifecycle.”

Voyageur’s Avparts division specializes in Used Serviceable Material (‘USM’) support for regional aircraft types, including Bombardier/Mitsubishi CRJ, De Havilland Dash 8, and ATR. Core services include parts sale and provisioning, component repair and overhaul management, inventory leasing and consignment programs, and aircraft end-of-life and disassembly.

July 13, 2022

ATR appoints Antonio Di Gennaro as Senior Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer

By General News

The ATR Board members appointed Antonio Di Gennaro as Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer as of 1 July 2022. He brings with him over fifteen years’ experience as a Finance and Operations business leader and joins ATR from PZL Świdnik, a Leonardo Helicopters company, where he was Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Management Board since 2018.

Prior to this, Antonio has held several international positions in the Aerospace & Defense Industry in both military and civil sectors. He has a strong background in Operations, Manufacturing, Customer Service & Sales, and business integration between cross cultural organisations. Antonio started his career at Alenia Aermacchi (merged in 2016 into Leonardo).

ATR welcomes Antonio to this new position where he will bring true added value in supporting the leading aircraft manufacturer in its innovations and continuous development and in its purpose to connect people and businesses in a responsible way now and in the future.

July 12, 2022

Pratt & Whitney Canada successfully conducts 100% SAF flight test with PW127M Engines powering Braathens’ ATR Aircraft

By Featured

Pratt & Whitney Canada, a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, announced today the successful flight test of dual PW127M engines with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on a Braathen Regional Airlines’ ATR 72-600 aircraft. Both PW127M engines were fueled exclusively with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel and flew for two hours total, Malmo to Bromma Airport and return. This was a collaborative effort involving the airline, ATR, and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“We are extremely pleased with the successful testing of our PW127M engines on 100% SAF,” said Timothy Swail, vice president, Regional Aviation and APU Product Marketing and Sales for Pratt & Whitney Canada. “We have worked closely with ATR and Braathens leading up to the flight testing and share their enthusiasm over the future application of SAF in the aviation industry.”

The flight marked the first time Pratt & Whitney engines simultaneously flew on 100% SAF and the first turboprop in the world to reach this exciting milestone. Commercial aircraft today are certified to fly on 50% SAF blends, and the results of today’s test will be used to prepare for a potential 100% SAF drop-in solution for aviation. SAFs have the potential of reducing emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional kerosene and are a potential solution to help aviation achieve its Net Zero by 2050 goal.

ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli, said: “Today is a historic day for aviation. After more than a century of commercial flights powered by kerosene, we are at the dawn of a new era. In recent months, with the support of Pratt & Whitney Canada we carried out a series of successful flights with sustainable fuel in one engine. We now decided it was time to perform the first test flight with 100% SAF in both engines. This helps us to certify our aircraft to fly solely on sustainable fuels faster and to enable more sustainable air links as a result. The flight represents a true milestone for the entire aviation industry as it shows that this technology works and can be promptly adopted by many in our industry to speed up the transition to zero emission aviation.”

Pratt & Whitney Canada engines have been 50% SAF compatible since the late 2000s. The company’s family of regional turboprop engines consume up to 40% less fuel and emit 40% fewer emissions than similar-sized jet-power aircraft on similar routes. Pratt & Whitney is Canada’s top R&D investor in aerospace; these investments have been a driving force in the company’s growth and Canada’s global aerospace reputation.

June 21, 2022