Designing a new aircraft in the 90-seat class is no longer a priority, ATR CEO Patrick de Castelbajac explained yesterday here at the Farnborough International Airshow. “It was something my predecessor was very keen on, as were probably 95 percent of our employees and a number of our customers,” he stated. However, he pointed out that major shareholder Airbus Group believes “the timing is not now” for such an ambitious project.

The main priority is rather to ensure production runs smoothly at a higher rate. Second, customer support needs to be further strengthened, de Castelbajac said. Third, “We’ve got amazing platforms and are working to make them even better,” he explained.

The ATR CEO mentioned enhanced avionics and improved engines, but mainly focused on the cabin. For the ATR 72, he hinted to a number of seats higher than 72, probably in the 76- to-78 region, but not as high as 86, as the rival Bombardier Q400 has recently been offering. “We want to increase the number of passengers without degrading comfort too much,” de Castelbajac asserted. He does not expect to hear any customer replying, “No, thank you,” if offered a higher capacity.

ATR in Big Lessor Win

ATR and lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) yesterday signed a $1.55 billion contract for 75 the ATR 42-600s, 25 of which are firm and 50 options. Deliveries will take place between 2015 and 2020. With more than 200 ATRs ordered (including options), NAC is now ATR’s largest customer.

This latest announcement brings ATR’s total sales so far this year to a record 144 firm and 112 optioned, and 90 percent of the latter are expected to be converted eventually. The firm orders comprise 119 ATR 72-600s and 25 ATR 42-600s and are valued at $3.45 billion. Since the beginning of the year, two cancellations have been recorded, which de Castelbajac deemed usual.

Asked whether a second final assembly line would be built, adding to the existing one in Toulouse, he answered the question may become very valid, if sales continue at the same pace.