ATR CEO Christian Scherer is “reasonably optimistic” the turboprop manufacturer can resolve the issues around new Iran sanctions and its pending deliveries to Iran Air.
The Iranian national carrier placed an order for 20 ATR 72-600s, eight of which had been delivered by June when the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) export license was revoked.
According to Scherer, conversations with OFAC are continuing and it may be possible to still get licenses for some of the outstanding aircraft deliveries. The positions are being remarketed in parallel in case that is not possible.
ATR plans to deliver around 80 aircraft, a similar number as in 2017. Scherer said at the Farnborough Air Show that “there could be a slight impact” if Iran Air aircraft have to be reconfigured before delivery to another customer.
Based on several factors, Scherer expects a resurgence of the turboprop markets. He believes consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental footprint their travel causes “and our aircraft use 40% less fuel than the nearest competitor.”
He sees significant potential in the freighter based on the FedEx order for up to 50 package freighters. “That has sparked a lot of interest in the market, a lot more traction is expected in the freighter market,” he said.