Industry ATR delivers 1000th ATR 72

With the delivery of the 1000th ATR 72 aircraft, ATR celebrates a further milestone in its regional aircraft programme. The ATR 72 is known to be a benchmark in the regional aviation market.

Originally, the ATR 72 was launched back in January 1986. Launch customer of the aircraft was Finnair. The original sub-type ATR 72-200 experienced 187 deliveries, while its successor, the ATR 72-500, was delivered 365 times. ATR´s latest state-of-the-art regional aircraft is the ATR 72-600. This sub-type is also the most successful with 448 deliveries.

In a statement, ATR wrote: "Its enduring popularity with customers and operators over 30 years later is a testament to the quality of the aircraft and its many innovations over time."

Ongoing innovations kept the aircraft series competitive throughout the years. New solutions and technologies have been integrated, allowing customers to use the aircraft for their specific needs in differentiated markets. Moreover, the aircraft is said to be very fuel efficient and offers a good passenger experience.

Commenting on the achievement, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer Christian Scherer said: “The ATR 72 has proven to be an outstanding success for over three decades. We are sincerely proud of delivering this 1,000th aircraft, as it underlines the many advantages it provides to airlines when it comes to ensuring essential connectivity and exploring new business opportunities. We look forward to consolidating and extending the attractiveness and success of the ATR 72 for many more years.”

Today, the ATR 72 is the best-selling regional aviation aircraft in current production. The European manufacturer stated recently, that it sees demand for over 3000 turboprop aircraft in the coming 20 years.

IndiGo is the customer receiving the 1000th ATR 72. The leading Indian regional carrier operates with a fleet of nine ATR 72 aircraft. Moreover, 29 Airbus A320neo and 129 A320ceo belong to its fleet. IndiGo flies to 56 destinations in nine countries and finds good application possibilities for the ATR 72 fleet.