European Plane Maker ATR Bets Big on India — Plans to Sell 300 Aircraft in 10 Years is more than just a big goal—it’s a sign of how turboprops are set to change the way people and goods move around India. ATR, the Franco-Italian aircraft maker owned by Airbus and Leonardo, wants to deliver 300 new turboprop planes over the next decade. This bold plan matches India’s push to connect more cities, build airports, and grow its economy with affordable, efficient air travel.
India already has over 160 airports and flies more than 173 million passengers every year (DGCA). Thanks to schemes like UDAN (which means “Let the common citizen fly”), flying has become cheaper for many small routes. Now, India plans to add 50 new airports by 2028 and reach 350 airports by 2047 (Airport Authority of India). Turboprops like the ATR 42 and ATR 72 are perfect for these routes because they can land on shorter runways and burn up to 50% less fuel than small jets on trips under 200 nautical miles.
European Plane Maker ATR Bets Big on India
India’s regional aviation boom and ATR’s 300-plane vision are a perfect match. By combining efficient aircraft, local partnerships, and clear planning steps, airlines can open new routes, lower costs, and boost India’s growth story. With strong support for sustainability, training, and policy incentives, ATR is not just selling planes—it’s helping build India’s next-generation air network.
Why India Is a Prime Market for ATR
India’s aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Over the past few years:
- Rising Middle Class: More families can afford to fly, choosing air travel instead of long train or bus rides.
- UDAN Scheme: Since 2016, this program has made tickets cheaper on regional routes by subsidizing fares for passengers and airlines.
- Airport Expansion: The Airport Authority of India plans to build 50 new airports by 2028, aiming for 350 by 2047 with new terminals in smaller towns.
- Economic Growth: India’s GDP growth of around 6–7% per year means more people can travel for work and leisure.
On short trips of 100–300 nautical miles, turboprops are the best choice. They can:
- Land on shorter runways (as small as 1,200 meters).
- Burn up to 50% less fuel than regional jets, lowering ticket prices and airline costs.
- Serve remote or less-busy airports that jets cannot reach.
These advantages make turboprops like the ATR 42 and ATR 72 ideal for connecting smaller cities and towns across India.
ATR’s Strategy and Partnerships in India
ATR’s plan goes beyond simply selling planes. They are also:
Localized Airline Talks
ATR’s Asia-Pacific head, Jean-Pierre Clercin, confirms ongoing discussions with:
- Scheduled carriers such as IndiGo and Alliance Air, which already fly ATRs.
- Non-scheduled operators like charter and regional airlines looking to add more turboprops.
MRO & Academic Collaborations
ATR is working to:
- Set up local Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) centers so airlines can keep planes running closer to home.
- Partner with Indian universities on research into new materials, engine upgrades, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Policy & Incentives
To make prices competitive, ATR is:
- Monitoring import duties and Goods & Services Tax (GST) changes that affect aircraft prices.
- Exploring “Make in India” assembly options to lower tariffs.
- Tracking government schemes that support aerospace manufacturing and MRO services.
Sustainability & Future Technologies
India and the world are pushing for cleaner air travel. ATR is ahead with:
ATR EVO Concept
- A hybrid-electric turboprop design that aims to cut fuel use and CO₂ by at least 20%.
- 100% SAF readiness, meaning it can run on sustainable aviation fuels as they become more available.
Present-Day Emissions Edge
- Today’s ATR 72 burns almost 45% less CO₂ per seat than comparable regional jets.
- Lower fuel burn means lower operating costs and fewer emissions for Indian airlines.
India’s SAF Targets
- 1% SAF blending for domestic flights by 2027; 2% by 2028 for international (Ministry of Civil Aviation).
- The Indian Oil Corporation plans to start SAF production by mid-2025, with incentives for new plants in states like Uttar Pradesh.
Cargo & Freighter Operations
India’s air-freight market is booming:
- Valued at $13.08 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $17.22 billion by 2028 at a 5.65% CAGR.
- E-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables drive demand on less-busy routes.
The ATR 72-600F freighter version offers:
- Max Payload: 9,200 kg of cargo.
- Volume: 75 m³.
- Fuel Efficiency: 54 g CO₂ per 100 kg freight per km.
This makes it perfect for thin routes where full-size freighters are too big or costly.
Pilot & Crew Training
With more turboprops, India needs pilots and crew:
- The country will need 35,000–40,000 new pilots by 2035, including 7,000+ just by 2026 (CAPA).
- DGCA has relaxed rest rules to ease the shortage, but airlines must balance safety and scheduling.
- Partnerships with flight schools like CAE India and ASAP Kerala can fast-track type ratings on ATR aircraft.
Crew roles also expand: MRO technicians, ground handlers, and supply-chain specialists will be in high demand.
Economic & Job Impact
ATR’s 300-plane plan could create tens of thousands of jobs:
- Airports need more staff for operations, security, and retail.
- MRO centers will hire engineers, technicians, and logisticians.
- Flight schools and academies will expand to train pilots and crew.
- Supply chains for parts, tools, and fuel will grow across multiple states.
This ripple effect supports India’s Make in India and Skill India initiatives, boosting local manufacturing and training.
Step-by-Step Guide to Integrating ATR Aircraft in India
- Market Assessment
- Analyze routes of 100–300 nm for demand and competition.
- Forecast passenger and cargo volumes using historical data.
- Compare costs of turboprops vs. regional jets.
- Fleet & Finance Options
- Choose ATR 42-600 (48 seats) or ATR 72-600 (up to 78 seats) based on load factors.
- Explore leasing, sale-and-leaseback, and export-credit financing.
- Negotiate “power-by-the-hour” maintenance deals.
- Airport & Ground Support
- Verify runways ≥ 1,200 m and basic ground equipment.
- Plan for baggage handling, refueling, and passenger facilities.
- Coordinate with AAI on gate allocations and slots.
- Training & Maintenance Setup
- Partner with DGCA-approved schools for pilot type-rating.
- Establish or tie up with MRO hubs in Delhi, Hyderabad, or Mumbai.
- Use ATR’s on-demand spares program to reduce downtime.
- Regulatory & Fuel Compliance
- Obtain DGCA Air Operator Permit (AOP) and Certificate of Airworthiness early.
- Work with customs brokers on GST and duty filings; use bonded warehouses for parts.
- Plan for SAF blending and track India’s emissions reporting rules.
Practical Examples & Case Studies
- IndiGo’s Regional Push: Operates 48 ATR 72-600 planes on routes such as Shillong–Guwahati, achieving 95% on-time performance on short legs.
- Alliance Air’s Remote Routes: Uses ATRs to link tribal regions in Northeast India, where runways are under 1,300 m.
- FLY91’s Niche Model: A small carrier flying two ATRs on low-demand routes, breaking even at 50% load factors.
These examples show how turboprops unlock new markets and keep costs low.
Challenges & Risks
Every big plan has hurdles:
- Backlog & Lead Times: With over 150 ATR orders worldwide, delivery slots can stretch to 2026.
- Import Duties & GST: Fluctuating tariffs can increase acquisition costs.
- Infrastructure Delays: Airport build-outs may face land, funding, or environmental hurdles.
- Pilot Shortages: Relaxed rest rules help, but more training capacity is needed.
- SAF Supply: Early blending mandates depend on feedstock and plant capacity.
- EVO Launch Timing: ATR’s hybrid-electric EVO concept may slip beyond 2030 due to technical challenges.
FAQs
Q1: Why choose turboprops for short routes?
Turboprops use less fuel, land on short runways, and cut per-seat costs on trips under 300 nm.
Q2: How long is the delivery lead time?
Expect 12–24 months from contract signing to aircraft delivery, depending on cabin options.
Q3: Can ATR aircraft handle unpaved strips?
They can use semi-prepared runways but need added gear protection for fully unpaved surfaces.
Q4: What careers will grow with ATR’s expansion?
Pilots, engineers, MRO technicians, ground staff, and supply-chain managers.
Q5: How does SAF blending work in India?
India mandates 1% SAF by 2027 and 2% by 2028 for international flights, with plans for domestic blends soon.
