SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR is considering establishing a manufacturing facility in India, provided it aligns with business and industrial objectives, according to Jean-Pierre Clercin, ATR’s head for the Asia Pacific region. In an interview with Business Standard on Sunday, Clercin highlighted the potential for India to become a key part of ATR’s global strategy, leveraging the existing investments of its parent companies, Airbus and Leonardo.
ATR, a joint venture between European aerospace giants Airbus and Leonardo, currently operates manufacturing facilities in France and Italy. The company, known for its fuel-efficient turboprop aircraft like the ATR 42 and ATR 72, sees India as a promising market due to its growing aviation sector and government initiatives like UDAN, which aim to boost regional connectivity.
“Nothing is off the table, if it makes sense, from an industrial and business perspective,” Clercin told Business Standard. He emphasized that ATR’s shareholders already have significant investments in India’s aerospace supply chain, providing a foundation for potential manufacturing operations. “Our shareholders are already heavily invested in the country in terms of supply chain. So, we have a lot to learn from that as well,” he added.
India’s aviation market, one of the fastest-growing globally, presents a strategic opportunity for ATR. The country’s demand for regional aircraft is rising, driven by the need to connect smaller cities and towns. ATR’s turboprops, designed for short-haul routes, are well-suited for such operations, offering lower operating costs compared to jet aircraft.
While Clercin did not provide a timeline or specific details about the potential facility, his comments signal ATR’s openness to deepening its footprint in India. The move could align with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which encourages global manufacturers to establish local production hubs, fostering job creation and technology transfer.
ATR’s consideration comes as competitors like Airbus and Boeing also expand their presence in India through partnerships and supply chain integration. For ATR, a manufacturing facility could enhance its competitiveness in the region, reduce costs, and strengthen ties with Indian carriers like IndiGo and Alliance Air, which already operate ATR aircraft.
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