New ATR Model Boasts Improved Efficiency, Cabin Comforts, and More for Regional Operators

Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, handed over the very first PW127XT-equipped ATR 72-600, delivering it to launch customer Air Corsica.

Air Corsica has more to come following their order at last year's Dubai Airshow where they signed an order for 5 aircraft, building on their commuter turboprop fleet with some cutting-edge engine technology. The PW127XT offers all the same reliability of its predecessors, building on that foundation with a 20% reduction in maintenance costs. For green-minded customers, the engine also offers a 3% improvement in fuel consumption over the previous model, the PW127M. Compared to a similarly sized regional jet, that efficiency appears even more striking, burning 45% less fuel. That same ratio applies to its carbon emissions too, making the ATR 72-600 a solid improvement over existing models on the market. 

Air Corsica preferred to buy new when choosing aircraft for their fleet, opting for the improved efficiency and modern cabin environment for passenger satisfaction. The -600 model now includes the all-important USB port for passenger charging en route, a first for an ATR aircraft. 

“ATRs are central to our model of air travel in Corsica," said Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, President of Air Corsica’s supervisory board. "They have proven to be the right product for our short-haul operations, enabling us to limit our impact on the island’s pristine environment and to meet our passengers’ demand for quick, frequent, reliable, and yet lower emission, air travel. Selecting both the latest generation turboprop, the newest engine on the market to equip it, and the best maintenance programme to optimise its reliability, makes perfect business sense, and moreover, is the most responsible choice.”

ATR Chief Nathalie Tarnaud Laude sees the delivery as proof positive that the ATR is better than ever, the beneficiary of decades of improvements. “Air Corsica and ATR have grown together ever since their first ATR flight in 1990. Over decades they have shown commitment to flying the latest technology and most responsible aircraft available. As our product evolves to meet new market needs and incorporates further innovations, it remains the most reliable, efficient, cost-effective aircraft on the market, as well as the most sustainable platform to operate regional routes. This makes ATR and Air Corsica a perfect match.”

FMI: www.atr-aircraft.com