Toulouse, France - ATR, a European turboprop manufacturer, is gearing up to expand its presence in South Korea, aligning with the country's plans to construct three new island airports in the coming years. The company is on track to return to its pre-COVID-19 production levels, with its Toulouse plant currently assembling more than 20 aircraft for various customers.
According to Yonhap News Agency, head of Delivery Center Quality at ATR, the number of aircraft assembled at the Toulouse facility plummeted to 10 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, down from an annual average of 70-80. However, production has rebounded to 40 in 2023. The assembly process, including manufacturing at supplier locations, takes approximately one year and four months. ATR's current clients include U.S. logistics firm FedEx Corp., India's largest airline IndiGo, Togo-based Liz Aviation, and various plane-leasing companies.
The company is developing the ATR 42-600S, a short takeoff and landing (STOL) variant, capable of landing on 800-meter-long runways. ATR collaborates with five tier-1 suppliers: Pratt and Whitney Canada for engines, Airbus Atlantic for wings, Safran S.A. for landing gear, Collins Aerospace for propellers, and Leonardo for structural components.
For the South Korean market, ATR officials have identified the ATR 72-600 as the most suitable model for passenger transportation to the island airports. Certified for up to 78 passengers, the ATR 72-600 can land on runways between 1,000-1,200 meters long. This model is particularly relevant for flights such as the route from Gimpo to the upcoming Ulleung Island airport, set to open in 2026.
Alexis Vidal, senior vice president of commercial at ATR, highlighted the cost savings and operational flexibility afforded by the commonality across ATR models, including pilot training programs, engine compatibility, and a shared cockpit design. This commonality is crucial as South Korea develops its regional connectivity, both for passenger and cargo services.
ATR sees significant growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the Korean market. Currently, ATR operates 20 planes in Japan and 24 in Taiwan, with these numbers expected to increase in the next five years. Following the Chinese government's approval last year for the ATR 42-600, the company anticipates an increase in its aircraft in China as well.
Jean-Daniel Kosowski, ATR Sales Director, pointed out the untapped potential of regional aviation in Korea, which he defined as flights below 300 nautical miles with less than 80 seats and under an hour of flight time. With 11 potential international routes and 18 island routes within this range, Kosowski envisions a burgeoning market for ATR, including potential next-day e-commerce delivery flights to secondary cities in Japan and China.