On March 17, 2026, ATR announced that aircraft leasing firm Avation has decided to exercise purchase rights for five ATR 72‑600 aircraft, which are expected to be delivered in 2028 and 2029.
These rights were included in the agreement through which Avation placed its first ATR order back in 2011. The Singapore-based lessor has since built a substantial ATR fleet through the progressive exercising of this option pool.
The company’s original order book was increased in May 2024, with an additional follow-up firm order for 10 more ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft, slated for delivery between 2025 and 2028, plus another 24 options to be exercised before 2034.
In a press release announcing the deal, Jeff Chatfield, Executive Chairman of Avation, said: “It is the ideal platform for regional route operations, and development and replacement of older, less efficient equipment.
“By committing to five additional ATR 72‑600 aircraft, Avation continues to build out its growth pathway for the late‑2020s and beyond, increasing its future fleet availability for key airline customers in high‑growth regional markets.”
During a media conference held in Toulouse in February 2026, ATR’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Alexis Vidal highlighted the importance of the leasing market for ATR and how the European manufacturer strived to balance its portfolio between lessors and direct orders from operators.
These five new aircraft will bring the total number of ATR turboprops acquired by Avation to 54. According to the Singaporean lessor, as of March 2026, 27 of its ATR aircraft are currently in operation with different airlines all over the world.