ATR is optimistic about a new collaboration with US-based public charter operator JSX, aiming to revive regional air travel in the United States and encourage additional orders in North America. This agreement, revealed at the Paris Air Show on June 18, includes leasing two ATR 42-600 aircraft configured with 30 premium seats, set to commence operations in late 2025.
Additionally, the deal involves a letter of intent for 15 firm orders and 10 options for either ATR 42- or 72-600 aircraft, both designed with new all-premium cabin layouts. The deployment of the ATR 42-600 by JSX is seen as a way to rejuvenate interest in regional turboprop operations in the US, where small jets currently dominate regional services.
Alexis Vidal, ATR’s chief commercial officer, expressed the ambition to demonstrate that ATR can enhance connectivity and provide affordable options for travelers who cannot fly privately. Although turboprop aircraft are popular in Canada, their presence in the US is limited, characterized mostly by jet-powered regional flights. This trend was underscored recently with the closure of Silver Airways, ATR’s sole passenger operator in the US.
Despite these challenges, ATR remains confident in the US market, projecting 255 deliveries by 2040, or approximately 12 aircraft annually. Vidal highlighted the importance of replacing inefficient regional jets on shorter routes, stating, “Now it’s a question of how can we be successful at convincing the airlines to switch to the ATR.”
Furthermore, ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude praised the company’s sales success thus far in 2025, with 30 firm orders in hand by mid-year, including a significant commitment from Taiwan’s Uni Air. The firm is continuing a positive trend from the previous year, having secured 56 gross orders in 2024.
Looking ahead, Laude anticipates delivering around 40 aircraft as ATR works to stabilize after previous supply chain disruptions, which limited production to just 35 units last year. While she noted improvements within the supply chain since the beginning of the year, challenges with suppliers like Safran Landing Systems persist.
ATR’s latest agreements and market forecasts indicate a promising outlook for the revival of regional air travel in the US, positioning the company to play a pivotal role in a changing aviation landscape.