ATR has announced that despite the economic downturn during 2009, the manufacturer was able to increase its turnover by eight per cent to a new record of US$1.4bn (A$1.5bn).
“Reaching a new annual turnover record in 2009 is the result of the commitment and the strong efforts done in order to cope with the current adverse global environment,” declared Stéphane Mayer, ATR chief executive. “The consolidation of our delivery rate over 50 aircraft a year, which is a historical level for ATR, underlines the ability of our product to keep on interesting both customers and investors.”
For the year ATR delivered 55 aircraft, an increase of one aircraft on 2008, and booked 40 new aircraft orders and options for 17, with the majority of orders coming from Europe and Asia. The manufacturer also celebrated the first flight of the upgraded ATR 72-600 pre-series aircraft (pictured), while the smaller ATR 42-600 began ground tests.
Mayer noted that the next year will continue to pose challenges for the company, and it will focus on stabilising last year’s good results. “Our growth in the last years is due to long term reasons. Even if the current crisis has slightly delayed some initial goals, we are ready to continue our strong progression once the economy will recover,” he said.
