demand driven by high oil prices.
The co-venture between Airbus parent EADS and Italy's Finmeccanica posted 2005 revenues of EUR542 million (USD$663 million), up 15 percent, and a return on sales of 9 percent against 5 percent in 2004.
"Airlines are trying to break even with oil prices between USD$45 and USD$50 a barrel. Given that the fuel consumption of an ATR is half that of a regional jet, it has become clear that turboprops are profitable up to 70 seats," ATR head Filippo Bagnato told a news conference.
ATR delivered 15 aircraft in 2005, up from 12 in 2004.
Deliveries make up about half of ATR's sales with the rest driven by second-hand aircraft and support services.
The 90 orders for new planes in 2005 represent a sharp increase from 12 in 2004, prompting ATR to plan for increases in deliveries to 25 in 2006 and 40 in both 2007 and 2008.
"2005 is not a one-off; I'm convinced it is the start of a new cycle," Bagnato said. But he declined to give specific order forecasts.
Toulouse-based ATR builds families of 50- to 70-seat turboprop planes with a single type rating -- the high-wing ATR-42 series and a stretch version called the ATR 72.
Bagnato saw growth in demand in India, China, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa
