Finmeccanica/Alenia Aerospazio and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), partners in the ATR program, have decided to merge their ATR activities into a single entity " ATR Integrated ". These activities were previously split between the partners' organizations.
"ATR Integrated"" will significantly contribute to improve the efficiency and profitability of this program. Both ATR partners confirm their willingness to reinforce their partnership on the regional aircraft market. ATR Integrated will be effective on June 1st 2001.
The company will continue to be named ATR.
ATR Integrated will merge the industrial activities of EADS ATR (final assembly line, engineering, procurement), and Alenia Aerospazio engineering and procurement activities for the ATR program and the existing commercial activities of the current GIE ATR. The manufacture of fuselage and wings remain subcontracted respectively to Alenia Aerospazio and EADS Airbus.
ATR Integrated, with these additional technical and industrial capabilities, will extend its operational autonomy.
Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, CEOs of European Aeronautic Defence and Space company said: "This is an other step of close cooperation with our Italian friends after the creation of MBDA on the missile sector. We are further completing European consolidation of our industry to enhance profitable growth and competitiveness."
Alberto Lina, Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica, said: "This decision is a further confirmation of the importance of the Italian aeronautic industry and of the capability of Finmeccanica to form and develop alliances in a continuously evolving market". Giorgio Zappa, President of Alenia Aerospazio,said :"I am confident that the ATR program can be further implemented, thanks also to its special versions, such as the Maritime Patrol and the Cargo".
The ATR Program will celebrate its 20th birthday this year.
ATR with its -500 series the worldleader in the 40/70 seat turbo-prop regional aircraft market. More than 650 ATRs have been sold all around the world and are operated by more than 100 operators. Every 20 seconds an ATR takes off somewhere in the world.
In 2000 ATR turnover amounted to EUR 580 millions.
