ATR Eyes Expanding Presence in India’s Booming Regional Aviation Sector

ATR, the Franco-Italian manufacturer known for its turboprop aircraft, is ramping up its focus on the Indian market, recognizing immense growth potential in the country’s regional aviation landscape. With approximately 70 ATR aircraft already in operation across Indian carriers such as IndiGo, Alliance Air, and FLY91, the company anticipates the market could accommodate up to 300 additional aircraft over the next ten years.

This optimistic outlook aligns closely with government-led initiatives like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) and the country’s expanding network of regional airports, both aimed at improving air connectivity to India’s underserved towns and cities.

Jean-Pierre Clercin, ATR’s Head for Asia-Pacific, emphasized the aircraft’s fuel efficiency and suitability for short-haul regional routes, making it an excellent choice for tier-2 and tier-3 cities across India. ATR’s broader strategy includes partnering with Indian educational institutions for skill development and considering long-term collaborations, including possibilities for local assembly, in line with the Make-in-India initiative.

To strengthen its footprint in the region, ATR is actively engaging with both scheduled and non-scheduled Indian operators. The aircraft’s low operating costs and eco-friendly performance are key advantages in a cost-sensitive, high-growth environment like India.

Globally, ATR has delivered more than 1,800 aircraft, and while Indonesia currently leads as its largest market, India is quickly catching up. The company’s strong push for new partnerships and orders reflects its confidence in India’s emergence as a key player in regional aviation.