ATR is finalising
the evaluation for the launch of a version of the
ATR 42-600 with enhanced Short Take-Off and Landing
(STOL) capabilities. The regional turboprop aircraft
manufacturer is ready to offer this new version, the
ATR 42-600S, to its current and potential customers.
The ATR 42-600S
will substantially reduce the minimum length of
runway required to take-off and land with full
passenger capacity, down to only 800 meters. By
improving these capabilities of the ATR 42-600s,
hundreds of airports with runway lengths between 800
and 900 meters will be able to welcome the aircraft,
thus increasing business opportunities for its
operators.
As of today, a
large and ageing fleet of nearly 2,200 regional
aircraft from 30 to 50 seats operate all over the
world. Among this fleet, turboprops account for
nearly 60% (1,200 aircraft), and provide an
essential connectivity to smaller and remote
communities. These turboprops serve over 3,100
routes today, with one third of these routes relying
exclusively on these aircraft.
The fleet of
inefficient previous generation regional aircraft
will need to be replaced in the years to come. The
ATR 42 perfectly addresses this market with a
combination of modernity, reliability and the
highest standards of passenger comfort. The ATR 42
matches trip costs of 30- eat aircraft while adding
seats and driving down unit costs, thus generating
potential to stimulate demand. ATR sees a potential
for nearly 600 deliveries of 50-seat turboprops in
the 20 years to come.
Commenting on the
potential for this new version of the ATR 42-600,
Christian
Scherer,
Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “Facilitating
the emergence of future traffic as well as
maintaining the connectivity of communities is at
the heart of ATR’s role. This is why we have decided
to further address the challenges of airfield
accessibility, allowing growth in air services for
remote areas as well. We are now proposing the ATR
42-600S to our operators and we look forward to
positive feedback from the market."
About the ATR 42-600:
- Passenger
capacity: 30 to 50 seats
- Engines:
PW127M, from Pratt & Whitney Canada
- Maximum power
at take-off: 2400 shaft horsepower (SHP) per
engine
- Maximum
weight at take-off: 18,600 kg
- Maximum
payload: 5,500 kg
- Maximum range
with full passenger load: 800 nautical miles
(1,483 km)
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