NEW DELHI- ATR anticipates India will surpass Indonesia to become the world’s largest operator of ATR aircraft before 2030, according to Jean-Pierre Clercin, head of commercial for Asia Pacific, ATR.
This projection emerges as India prepares to significantly expand its aviation infrastructure under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalCurrent ATR Market
India currently operates 70 ATR aircraft across multiple carriers, establishing itself as the second-largest market globally behind Indonesia’s 100 aircraft.
IndiGo (6E), the country’s largest airline, maintains the most substantial ATR fleet with 48 aircraft, while Alliance Air (9I) operates 22 units and Fly 91 (IC) manages the remaining 2 aircraft in the domestic market.
Clercin revealed these figures during discussions on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting, emphasising India’s strategic importance within ATR’s global operations.
The company operates 1,450 aircraft worldwide, making India’s 70-unit contribution particularly significant in the regional aviation segment.
Photo: Fly91Infrastructure Expansion
India’s aviation infrastructure development plans provide the foundation for ATR’s optimistic projections.
The country aims to establish 350 airports by 2047, representing more than double the current count of approximately 157 operational airports. This expansion aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision for comprehensive national development.
The infrastructure growth creates substantial opportunities for regional connectivity, which ATR aircraft specifically address through their design for shorter routes and smaller airports.
Clercin emphasised that the infrastructure expansion timeline supports ATR’s market penetration strategy over the next 5-10 years.
ATR 72-600; Photo- ATRMarket Discussions
ATR maintains ongoing discussions with various Indian aviation stakeholders regarding fleet expansion opportunities.
Clercin disclosed that market analysis suggests potential deployment of up to 300 ATR aircraft in India over the next 5-10 years.
These discussions encompass multiple aviation players, indicating broad industry interest in regional connectivity solutions. The projected growth aligns with India’s focus on connecting smaller cities and remote regions through improved air transport services.
Photo- ATRManufacturing
ATR expressed openness to establishing manufacturing operations in India, contingent upon clear demand visibility and sustainable business prospects.
The company currently operates its sole global assembly facility in Toulouse, France, making any expansion decision strategically significant.
Clercin characterised the situation as requiring careful evaluation of market sustainability before committing additional resources. The company seeks concrete evidence of long-term demand patterns before investing in new manufacturing infrastructure, acknowledging the substantial investment required for such expansion.
Photo: Indian GovtRegional Connectivity
ATR aircraft serve specific operational niches within India’s aviation network, primarily connecting smaller cities with major urban centres.
These regional aircraft facilitate connections between hinterland locations and larger metropolitan areas, supporting government initiatives for comprehensive national connectivity.
IndiGo (6E) demonstrates practical ATR deployment through routes such as Hyderabad-Nagpur-Hyderabad, while Fly91 (IC) operates connections including Goa-Pune-Goa.
The UDAN scheme, designed to promote regional air travel accessibility, creates favourable conditions for continued ATR demand. This government initiative aims to make air travel accessible to common citizens while connecting underserved regions with major cities.
This policy support reinforces ATR’s confidence in India’s market potential and justifies their ambitious growth projections for the region.
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The post India to Become ATR’s Largest Market in the World by 2030 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
