Turboprops Gaining height

Turboprop manufacturers are increasingly looking to the emerging markets of India and China for new business. Indian infant low-cost carrier Kingfisher recently took delivery of its first ATR 72, part of an order for 35 aircraft with 20 options.
Between them orders from India’s Air Deccan and Kingfisher accounted for more than half of the orders ATR secured last year. The revival in fortunes of the turboprop industry that began over a year ago shows no sign of losing altitude. Regional turboprop services grew by 8% in 2005, says ATR, driven largely by soaring fuel prices that are rendering regional jets of comparative size increasingly uneconomic.
According to ATR chief executive Filippo Bagnato, in 2005 the manufacturer enjoyed its best year since 1989, with 90 orders and 26 options. “I am convinced last year’s turboprop sales were not a peak,” he says. “I believe 2005 was the beginning of a cycle.”
Barry McKinnon, vice-president of marketing and airline analysis at Bombardier, says that last year a large share of orders came from Asia, but warns that the US market should never be underestimated.
26/04/06 Airline Business/Flight International

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