ATR bullish about turboprop market

ATR, a French turboprop aircraft manufacturer that makes planes with less than 90 seats, said it is bullish on the huge growth potential of the regional aircraft market in China, and foresees demand for 300 new turboprops in China over the next two decades.

Regional network growth is the next big opportunity in China, with some 800 new regional routes expected to be flown by turboprops, company executives said at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai.

Nearly 80 percent of the turboprops expected for delivery in China will be used for new routes, particularly in less-densely populated cities and regions, where they have less-developed road infrastructure, limitations to developing high-speed railways and lower traffic demand.