ATR uses leasing strategy as delivery delays extend to 2029

ATR order backlog and leasing strategy

In an interview with FlightGlobal at the Farnborough Airshow, ATR Senior Vice-President of Sales Alexis Vidal said the regional turboprop manufacturer has faced demand exceeding deliveries for three consecutive years. This has increased its backlog and pushed lead times for newly built aircraft further out.

To address the situation, the company is expanding its relationships with leasing firms, which can make aircraft available on shorter timescales and therefore provide an important commercial advantage.

Vidal said that, alongside the 14 direct orders secured in the first half of the year, ATR concluded the same number through leasing agreements. “We have seen strong airline interest in leasing new aircraft, as this provides rapid access to capacity with newly manufactured ATRs.”

As production remains unable to match the pace of demand, delivery positions for new aircraft now extend to 2028 for the 48-seat ATR 42-600 and to 2029 for the larger, more popular ATR 72-600. ATR’s approach to shortening the wait is to combine direct orders with leasing contracts.

Leasing firms in the ATR backlog

“At present, around 25 to 30% of our firm backlog is held by lessors. Our aim is for roughly 25% of capacity each year to be allocated to or purchased by speculative lessors,” Vidal explained. In some years, that share may double when sale-and-leaseback transactions are also included. This range of partners illustrates both the market’s strength and the confidence of reputable investors.

In 2025, however, ATR received no new orders from lessors. This was a strategic decision intended to balance the backlog and prevent excessive reliance on a single sector. Three lessors - Abelo, Avation and DAE - currently hold speculative ATR orders.

ATR Highline cabin flexibility

Vidal noted that cooperation with lessors has proved effective in opening new markets and working with new customers. Among this year’s orders, ATR received a commitment from an undisclosed customer for an ATR 42-600 in a corporate configuration. The aircraft will form part of the Highline range, which provides premium cabin solutions.

Built around the X-Space table, which rapidly converts paired seats into individual premium seats, the arrangement can transform the 46-seat turboprop into versions accommodating 34 or 23 passengers, depending on requirements. Air Cambodia will be the launch customer for the X-Space table on the ATR 72-600, with deliveries beginning next year.

According to Vidal, ATR’s strategy is designed to provide adaptable products that meet the requirements of different market segments while balancing seating density with comfort.