Flying High...
...with modern regional turboprops

Trends in regional aviation today are clearly underlining the new predominance of newest generation turboprop aircraft over increasingly costly and inefficient regional jets, both in expanding economies and in replacement markets. Given the increase in fuel prices, with a particular impact on the Indian economy, turboprop aircraft have proven in the last years to be the optimal solution for short-haul commercial market today. This revival, steered by aircraft like the ATR 42/72 aircraft family, comes as a shocker to many who had not anticipated the escalating price of kerosene.

The facts show: turboprops account for more than 80 per cent of total 50-to-90-seat regional aircraft sales, 70 per cent of which are the ATRs, the latest generation turboprops. These aircraft represent two-thirds of total regional aircraft backlog in those seatcategories. What more, ATR are clearly recognised, as exemplified by the Indian market, the new leader among regional aircraft. The newest ATRs showcase key advantages when compared to other regional turboprops or regional jets: the most advanced avionics suite, lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs, better capability of operating on shorter routes and redesigned new cabin interiors.

In addition, it is noteworthy that the increasing interest in new ATR turboprops comes from leasing companies, such as the US-based GECAS or Air Lease, or the European Nordic Aviation Capital. Lessors represent some 20 per cent of total sales (and the current backlog) of ATR, thus highlighting the aircraft’s strong values and the business potential they provide to leasing firms. All in all, ATR has today 180 operators all over the world that lessors may consider as potential customers.

The new 50-seat ATR 42-600 and 70-seat ATR 72-600 are the most recent EASA-certified regional aircraft of their category, and feature highest fuel efficiency, over 99.7 per cent dispatch reliability. The 600 series incorporates the new Pratt & Whitney PW127M as standard engine (with Ratier-Figeac 568F six-bladed propeller) which provide five per cent additional pull at take-off with a specific “boost function” when needed, but also a full digital fight deck featuring five wide electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) multifunction screens fed by a multi-purpose computer (MPC) which further enhances fight safety and operational capabilities.

More visible to the passenger, the 600 series also offers the stylish Armonia cabin, the widest and most spacious in its segment, specifically developed for ATR by the Italian designer Giugiaro. It features elegant thinner seats with more legroom, larger overhead bins and new LED lightening. It is worth noting that the Armonia cabin has obtained Chicago’s “Good Design Award” early this year, as recognition for its design, ergonomics, innovation and comfort. With all these improvements, ATR aircraft have been gaining headway in markets around the world thus transforming the perception of turboprops.