ATR ready for take-off in China

Turboprop maker sees massive growth potential in regional aircraft market

European turboprop manufacturer ATR, which makes planes with 90 seats or less, said it is bullish on the prospects of China's rapidly growing regional aircraft market, and foresees demand for 1,100 new turboprops in the nation over the next two decades.

The regional aviation sector sees significant demand from business and tourism in less-densely populated second and third-tier Chinese cities, where there is less-developed road infrastructure and the development of high-speed railways faces obstacles, the company said.