ATR looks to build on its success of -500 model
ATR, the Toulouse-based partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica Group) and EADS has announced an updated version of the highly successful turboprop aircraft, dubbed ”the -600”. The -600 series ATR aircraft will be progressively introduced during the second half of 2010.
The sales war at this section of the market, for aircraft between 40 and 80 seats, is as intense as that for the large jets, with ATR vying with Bombardier of Canada for most of the business. The rise in fuel costs and environmental issues means that sales of pure jets in this segment have virtually dried up leaving the way open for the two remaining turboprop manufacturers.
Sales have boomed for ATR with production up from as low a 12 a year to 44 this year and a planned 60 in 2008. ATR has sold 914 aircraft (414 ATR 42s and 500 ATR 72s) and delivered 735 (395 ATR 42s and 340 ATR 72s).
The new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 will feature the latest technology regarding engines and flight deck enhancements for improved performance and efficiency.
ATR CEO St”phane Mayer said: ”The -600 series ATRs are the result of our continuous product improvement strategy in order to meet the demands of the market. The new ATR is vastly different from the earlier versions of the aircraft, with many innovations and developments resulting from the operators” experience and the newest available technologies.
”These developments allow ATR to provide state-of-the art technology and environmentally-friendly aircraft with high reliability, superior comfort, and the lowest cost per seat among regional aircraft.”
Passengers will find this latest variant of the Franco-Italian design quieter and more relaxing. The cabin features the latest in light emitting diode (LED) lighting which is also being incorporated both for external navigation and anti-collision lighting in order to further reduce costs and increase life span, while also upgrading the visibility of the aircraft. LED represents the lowest weight and energy consuming lighting technology, with a dramatically extended service life.