Editing ATR 72 (section)

== Operational history ==
2011 was a record-breaking year for sales at ATR.<ref name="record 2011 AIN">Alcock, Charles. [https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2011-11-11/atrs-record-year-set-get-better "ATR's Record Year Set To Get Better."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730150630/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2011-11-11/atrs-record-year-set-get-better |date=30 July 2017 }} ''AIN Online'', 11 November 2011.</ref> According to ATR's CEO Filippo Bagnato, sales had continued to grow during the [[Great Recession]] despite the downturn experienced by most aviation companies as "fuel consumption that can be half that of the alternatives and [with] lower maintenance costs". Bagnato noted the strength of Africa as a market for the type, as well at the firm's aircraft being capable of serving destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible to other aircraft due to the austere conditions of many airstrips and runways in the region, as well as the ability to operate autonomously without any reliance upon ground support equipment.<ref name="record 2011 AIN" />

For 2013, ATR claimed a 48 percent global market share for regional aircraft deliveries between 50 and 90 seats (comprising both turboprops and jets), making it the dominant manufacturer in this market segment.<ref name="chin ain 2014" /> That same year, during which firm orders for 10 ATR 42-600s and 79 ATR 72-600s were recorded, [[lease|leasing]] companies were responsible for 70 per cent of these; according to ATR's CEO Filippo Bagnato: "Years ago, we were not even considered by the lessors; now they see ATRs as a good investment".<ref name="chin ain 2014" /> Several major leasing companies operate their own ATR fleets, such as [[Dubai Aerospace Enterprise]] (DAE), who placed an order for 20 ATR 72s along with options for another 20 in February 2014,<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Dubai-Aerospace-Enterprise-Orders-up-to-40-ATR-72-600s_n000012369.aspx "Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Orders up to 40 ATR 72-600s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816220058/http://www.deagel.com/news/Dubai-Aerospace-Enterprise-Orders-up-to-40-ATR-72-600s_n000012369.aspx |date=16 August 2017 }} ''deagel.com'', 12 February 2014. Retrieved: 15 April 2015.</ref> and [[Nordic Aviation Capital]] (NAC), who ordered a fleet of 30 ATR 72s during June 2013, along with options for up to 55 further airliners.<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/paris-air-show/2013-06-18/atr-scores-big-order-paris-delivers-avianca-atr-72-600 "ATR scores big order at Paris, delivers Avianca ATR 72-600."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129033032/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/paris-air-show/2013-06-18/atr-scores-big-order-paris-delivers-avianca-atr-72-600 |date=29 November 2014 }} ''Aviation International News''. Retrieved: 26 December 2014.</ref> Placing their first order during 2011, by December 2012, [[Singapore]]an leasor [[Avation]] had a combined total of 20 ATR 72s on order;<ref>Francis, Leithen. [http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/singapore-lessor-orders-more-atr-72s "Singapore Lessor Orders More ATR 72s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731044439/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/singapore-lessor-orders-more-atr-72s |date=31 July 2017 }} ''Aviation Week'', 19 December 2012.</ref> by February 2016, the number on order for {{Not a typo|Avation}} had risen to 35 aircraft.<ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-singapore-airshow-atr-idUKKCN0VP09I "{{Not a typo|Avation}} places $130 million aircraft order with ATR."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731023826/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-singapore-airshow-atr-idUKKCN0VP09I |date=31 July 2017 }} Reuters, 16 February 2016.</ref>

During May 1997, ATR achieved their first breakthrough sale in China, placed by operator [[China Xinjiang Airlines]] and the [[Civil Aviation Administration of China]] (CAAC).<ref name="milestones arch" /> By 2013, while the Asia Pacific region had comprised the majority of ATR's sales when geographically ranked; however, orders from Chinese airlines remained elusive; Bagnato ascribed this anomaly to local market conditions dictating the typical use of larger aircraft, as well as a Chinese government policy of imposing high [[tariff]]s on the import of foreign-built fixed-wing aircraft.<ref name="chin ain 2014">Dubois, Thierry. [https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2014-02-11/atr-wants-better-access-china-market "ATR Wants Better Access to China Market."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730151846/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2014-02-11/atr-wants-better-access-china-market |date=30 July 2017 }} ''AIN Online'', 11 February 2014.</ref> During late 2014, ATR set up a new office in Beijing and hired several former Airbus sales personnel with the aim of launching the type in the Chinese market. ATR believed that many of the already-flown routes did not suit larger 150-seat aircraft; however, of the roughly 2,600 commercial aircraft flying in China at that time, only 68 had a capacity of less than 90 seats and of these, fewer than 20 were powered by turboprop engines.<ref>Dubois, Thierry. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-02-14/atr-sets-sights-china "ATR Sets Sights on China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730150846/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-02-14/atr-sets-sights-china |date=30 July 2017 }} ''AIN Online'', 14 February 2016.</ref>

In response to airlines often wanting to replace their early production ATR models with the latest generation ATR series, as well as to answer demand from cargo operators for the type, ATR has operated two separate dedicated freighter conversion programmes, known as the Bulk Freighter (tube version) and the ULD Freighter.<ref name="focus rece conv">Endres, Günter. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-recession-woes-continue-at-small-end-of-ca-377346/ "IN FOCUS: Recession woes continue at small end of cargo conversion market."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730210519/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-recession-woes-continue-at-small-end-of-ca-377346/ |date=30 July 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 26 October 2012.</ref> Both conversions involve complete stripping of furnishings along with the addition of floor strengthening, new window plugs and 9&nbsp;g restraining nets, six additional longitudinal tracks for added flexibility, and an E-Class cabin; the ULD model can accommodate standard ULD-packaged cargo, such as LD3 containers or {{convert|88|by|108|in|m|order=flip}} [[pallets]], which were loaded via a large cargo door located on the port forward side. Undertaken by a range of companies, such as Alenia subsidiary [[Aeronavali]], Texas-based [[M7 Aerospace]]; French firms [[Indraéro Siren]] and [[Aeroconseil]], Canadian [[Infinion Certification Engineering]], and Spanish company [[Arrodisa]], by October 2012, in excess of one-fifth of all first-generation ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft had already been converted to freighters.<ref name="focus rece conv" />

=== Iran Air ===

During February 2016, ATR signed a deal with flag carrier Iran Air for a batch of 20 ATR 72-600s, along with options for 20 more aircraft and post-purchase services, such as engine maintenance.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iran-signs-deal-to-buy-20-more-airplanes/2016/02/02/d1432412-c990-11e5-b9ab-26591104bb19_story.html "Iran signs deal to buy 20 more airplanes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203123320/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iran-signs-deal-to-buy-20-more-airplanes/2016/02/02/d1432412-c990-11e5-b9ab-26591104bb19_story.html |date=3 February 2016 }} ''The Washington Post'', 2 February 2016.</ref> Made possible by a negotiated relaxation of [[Sanctions against Iran#Sanctions relief|international sanctions]] against Iran, during June 2017, a €1 billion Iranian contract was finalized for the firm 20 airliners and 20 options;<ref>{{Cite web |title=ATR signs a major agreement with Iran Air for 40 ATR 72-600s |url=https://www.atr-aircraft.com/presspost/atr-signs-a-major-agreement-with-iran-air-for-40-atr-72-600s/ |access-date=2023-01-16 |website=ATR |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hepher |first1=Tim |title=Europe's ATR says completes deal selling 20 planes to IranAir |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/atr-aircraft-idUKL8N1HL2H1 |access-date=13 April 2017 |work=Reuters|date=13 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413123829/http://uk.reuters.com/article/atr-aircraft-idUKL8N1HL2H1 |archive-date=13 April 2017 }}</ref><ref>Polek, Gregory. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-04-11/atr-iran-air-seal-536-million-deal-20-atr-72-600s "ATR, Iran Air Seal $536 Million Deal for 20 ATR 72-600s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730231907/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-04-11/atr-iran-air-seal-536-million-deal-20-atr-72-600s |date=30 July 2017 }} ''AIN Online'', 11 April 2017.</ref> the delivery of the first four aircraft occurred within weeks of the deal being completed.<ref>Polek, Gregory. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-05-16/iran-air-takes-delivery-its-first-four-atr-72-600s "Iran Air Takes Delivery Of Its First Four ATR 72-600s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730225351/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-05-16/iran-air-takes-delivery-its-first-four-atr-72-600s |date=30 July 2017 }} ''AIN Online'', 16 May 2017.</ref> US sanctions against Iran were reimposed in August 2018, by which time 13 of the order of 20 aircraft had been delivered. In April 2019 the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a two-year licence to ATR to allow it to supply spare parts and other essentials to keep the fleet of 13 ATR 72-600s in operation. However, the remaining 7 ATR 72-600s from the 2016 order remain sanctioned and in storage.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Iran Air Receives Vital Spares |journal=Airliner World |volume=October 2019 |page=16}}</ref>

=== Turkish Navy ===
While primarily used as a civil aircraft, some ATR 72s have been adapted to perform in various military functions, such as [[cargo aircraft|utility aircraft]] and [[maritime patrol aircraft]] (MPA). The [[Turkish Navy]], which initially decided to purchase ten ATR 72-500 MPA, later changed its order to eight aircraft: Two ATR 72-600 TMUA (Turkish Maritime Utility Aircraft)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=First P-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Delivered to Turkish Naval Forces Under the MELTEM-3 Project |url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/first-p-72-maritime-patrol-aircraft-delivered-to-turkish-naval-forces-under-the-meltem-3-project-4378 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240816005535/https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/first-p-72-maritime-patrol-aircraft-delivered-to-turkish-naval-forces-under-the-meltem-3-project-4378 |archive-date=2024-08-16 |access-date=2021-03-25 |website=Defence Turkey}}</ref> versions, and six ATR 72-600 TMPA (Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft for MP/[[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]]/[[Anti-surface warfare|ASuW]] duties)<ref name=":0" /> versions.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/may-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1032-atr-72-600-tmpa-the-new-generation-maritime-patrol-aircraft-for-the-turkish-navy-.html "ATR 72-600 TMPA: The new generation maritime patrol aircraft for the Turkish Navy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922004429/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/may-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1032-atr-72-600-tmpa-the-new-generation-maritime-patrol-aircraft-for-the-turkish-navy-.html |date=22 September 2013 }} ''navyrecognition.com'', 11 May 2013. Retrieved: 15 April 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/july-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1898-raytheon-to-provide-torpedo-integration-for-turkish-navy-atr-72-600asw-maritime-patrol-aircraft.html |title=Raytheon to provide torpedo integration for Turkish Navy ATR-72-600ASW maritime patrol aircraft |date=17 July 2014 |access-date=18 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726031324/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/july-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1898-raytheon-to-provide-torpedo-integration-for-turkish-navy-atr-72-600asw-maritime-patrol-aircraft.html |archive-date=26 July 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The armed ATR 72 TMPA variant was developed in cooperation with [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]] (TAI), and incorporated additional sensors and mission systems to perform its intended combat role.<ref name="p72 del 2016" /> During 2013, the two ATR 72-600 TMUA aircraft were delivered to the Turkish Navy.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turkish-navy-receives-first-utility-roled-atr-72-600-388689/ "Turkish navy receives first utility-roled ATR 72-600."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005935/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turkish-navy-receives-first-utility-roled-atr-72-600-388689/ |date=3 December 2013 }} ''Reed Business Information Limited'', Retrieved: 26 December 2014.</ref> The first ATR 72-600 TMPA was delivered in December 2020 and the second one in March 2021 was already in service with Turkish Navy.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=TAI Delivers Second Locally-Converted Leonardo ATR-72 ASW Patrol Aircraft to Navy|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29118/TAI_Delivers_Second_Locally_Converted_Leonardo_ATR_72_ASW_Patrol_Aircraft_to_Navy#.YEjekTiWzIU|access-date=2021-03-25|website=defenseworld.net}}</ref> As of May 2021, 3 ATR 72-600 TMUA aircraft are being operated by the Turkish Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-10|title=Third Aircraft in MELTEM-3 Project Commenced Service with a Ceremony|url=https://www.raillynews.com/2021/05/The-third-plane-in-the-meltem-3-project-was-put-into-service-with-the-organized-ceremony/|access-date=2021-05-10|website=RayHaber {{!}} RaillyNews|language=en}}</ref>

=== Italian Air Force ===
The [[Italian Air Force]] selected the ATR 72-600 MP,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Brochure ATR 72MP, sito internet Leonardo|url=https://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/20142/3150764/ATR+72MP_brochure_ENG_new.pdf?t=1602249119946|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904235017/https://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/20142/3150764/ATR+72MP_brochure_ENG_new.pdf?t=1602249119946 |archive-date=4 September 2021 }}</ref> designated as the ''P-72A'', to serve as a multirole [[maritime patrol]], [[Signals intelligence|electronic surveillance]] and [[Command and control#Derivative terms|C4]] platform. The original Italian requirement for a [[Breguet Atlantic]] replacement had also called for ASW and [[anti-surface warfare]] (ASuW) capabilities, however, during 2014, the contract was renegotiated to a configuration that excluded these capabilities.<ref name="p72 del 2016" /> An anticipated variant for ASW and ASuW operations may later be pursued; accordingly, provisions were made to allow for the four P-72As on order to be adapted to the ASW configuration.<ref name="fli MPA 2015">Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/alenia-aermacchi-p-72a-mpa-tests-near-completion-417697/ "Alenia Aermacchi P-72A MPA tests near completion."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730223716/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/alenia-aermacchi-p-72a-mpa-tests-near-completion-417697/ |date=30 July 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 13 October 2015.</ref> In December 2016, the first pair of P-72A aircraft were delivered to the Italian Air Force.<ref name="p72 del 2016">Pocock, Chris. [https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-12-20/leonardo-delivers-atr-72-maritime-patrollers-italy "Leonardo Delivers ATR 72 Maritime Patrollers to Italy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731023850/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-12-20/leonardo-delivers-atr-72-maritime-patrollers-italy |date=31 July 2017 }} ''AIN Online'', 20 December 2016.</ref> The last aircraft was delivered to the Italian Air Force in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=41° Stormo, Sigonella: consegnato il quarto velivolo P72A|url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/comunicazione/notizie/Pagine/consegna-quarto-P72A-a-Sigonella-41°-Stormo-Aeronautica-Militare.aspx|access-date=2021-03-25|website=aeronautica.difesa.it|language=it-IT}}</ref>

=== Guardia di Finanza ===
A single ATR 72 MP was ordered by Italy's paramilitary [[Guardia di Finanza]] (GdF) in July 2019, followed by an order for a further three ATR 72s in October 2019. The aircraft, called P-72B by Guardia di Finanza,<ref>{{Cite web|title=First two P-72Bs delivered to Italy's Guardia di Finanza|url=https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/27-11-2019-first-two-p-72bs-delivered-to-italy-s-guardia-di-finanza|access-date=2021-03-25|website=leonardocompany.com|language=en-US}}</ref> will supplement the GdF's existing force of four ATR-42s in the border surveillance, maritime patrol and search and rescue roles.<ref name="ai1219p13">{{cite magazine |last=Pittaway |first=Nigel |title=Guardia di Finanza orders more ATR 72MPs |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=December 2019  |volume=97 |issue=6 |page=13 |issn=0306-5634 }}</ref>

=== FedEx Express ===
On 8 November 2017, [[FedEx Express]] launched the -600 cargo variant with 30 firm orders plus 20 options, in a freighter configuration from the factory.<ref name=PR8nov2017>{{cite press release |url= http://www.atraircraft.com/newsroom/pressrelease/fedex-express-s-engage-a-acheter-jusqu-a-50-nouveaux-avions-cargo-atr-72-600f-1463-en.html |title= FedEx Express buys up to 50 new ATR 72-600F freighters Wednesday |date= 8 November 2017 |publisher= ATR |access-date= 8 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205908/http://www.atraircraft.com/newsroom/pressrelease/fedex-express-s-engage-a-acheter-jusqu-a-50-nouveaux-avions-cargo-atr-72-600f-1463-en.html |archive-date= 8 November 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref>

As of September 2018, 187 early variants had been produced with 172 operated by 55 [[airline|carriers]], 365 -500s were delivered with more than 350 in service at 75 operators, 444 -600s were produced and are operated by 74 carriers with a backlog of {{#expr:675-444}} orders.<!--<ref name=AVN12nov2018>-->
By then, with more than 60 -500s and 40 -600s in storage, new aircraft leases fell to $130,000 per month from $170,000.<!--<ref name=AVN12nov2018>-->
The -600 list price of $26.8M is typically discounted by 25% for a ${{#expr:26.8*.75round1}}M value, a 2012 aircraft is valued $13.3M and leased $115,000, falling to $10.2M and $100,000 in 2021, a [[D check]] costs $0.5M and the [[engine overhaul]] costs $0.3-1.0M.<ref name=AVN12nov2018>{{cite news |url= http://www.aircraftvaluenews.com/market-for-atr72-600s-weakens-with-age/ |title= Market for ATR72-600s Weakens with Age |author= Aircraft Value News |date= 12 November 2018 |access-date= 14 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224736/http://www.aircraftvaluenews.com/market-for-atr72-600s-weakens-with-age/ |archive-date= 14 November 2018 |url-status= live }}</ref>

=== Failed bids ===
The ATR 72 was a candidate to replace the [[German Navy]]'s [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3]], at least as a stopgap solution from 2025 to 2032.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Bundeswehr-sucht-neue-Seefernaufklaerer-article21850382.html|title = Bundeswehr sucht neue Seefernaufklärer}}</ref> Germany ultimately selected the [[P-8A Poseidon]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/germany-five-boeing-p-8a-poseidon-aircraft/|title=Germany signs deal to procure five Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft|first=Aninda|last=Chakraborty|date=1 July 2021}}</ref>