Focuses on Enhancing Existing Product to Meet Market Demand

Following evaluations of the current market and supply chain, ATR has decided to scrap development of its new ATR 42-600S short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft. Instead, it will continue to enhance its current product portfolio.

ATR’s STOL aircraft project has been in the works for over five years, with a partially reconfigured ATR 42-600 taking its first flight in May 2022. As of October 2023, ATR had already received over 20 commitments for its 42-600S from airlines and other customers.

The aircraft, powered by 2,750 shp PW127XT-L engines, was intended for operations on runways as short as 800 meters (2,625 ft). It had a max takeoff weight of more than 41,000 lbs and could carry up to 11,353 lbs of payload. This aircraft had the potential to serve hundreds of worldwide runways that are typically impossible for use with other airliners or ATR variants.

However, in more recent conditions, many short runways have either gotten extensions or new, longer alternates nearby. This shrinks the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S.

“As a global leader on the regional market, ATR has a responsibility towards its customers, stakeholders and the industry at large to continuously evaluate its product portfolio to meet market demand,” explained Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR. “The decision to halt the STOL project reflects our dedication to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

Without having to worry about the STOL project, ATR can refocus efforts on its current product line. It currently offers two main aircraft: the ATR 42-600 and the ATR 72-600.

The 42-600 is ATR’s smaller regional airliner, with a maximum takeoff weight of 41,000 lbs. It can have up to 48 seats on board. Nearly 200 ATR 42-600s are in service. ATR’s larger design, the 72-600, is available in both passenger and freighter configurations. It has a maximum takeoff weight of over 50,000 lbs and can support up to 16,000 lbs of payload. Both of these aircraft require at least 3,600 feet to get off the ground.

“We have identified a series of product improvements which aim at further reducing the costs of operations and increasing the availability of our aircraft,” continued Tarnaud Laude. “These improvements directly reflect the needs and insight shared with our customers. To achieve these goals, we are working closely with our key suppliers and have developed comprehensive action plans to drive progress on these enhancements.”

FMI: www.atr-aircraft.com