Date fixed for ATR72-600 unveiling

The new ‘-600 series’ programme for both models, ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600, launched in October 2007, is progressing accordingly to the scheduled calendar.

  The first ATR 72-600 aircraft started its flight trials campaign on July 24, 2009 after being powered-on in December 2008. Flight trials for the first ATR 42-600 aircraft will take place next year.

  These two aircraft should make some 150 and 75 flight hours respectively in order to test the new equipment, including a new avionics suite and the most modern navigation aid tools.

  The ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft, powered with PW 127M engines, take an additional 500 Kg on MTOW (Maximum Take-off weight) and MZFW (Maximum Zero Fuel Weight).  

These aircraft will feature the lowest fuel consumption per passenger and the lowest CO₂ emissions of any regional aircraft. The new models will also be fitted with a new cabin , currently under development, offering the most modern standards of comfort and design.

  According to plan, certification will lead to the entry into service of the first commercial ATR 72-600s and ATR 42-600s in 2011. Today, two years after the launch of this programme, ATR has already booked orders for 59 ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft (5 ATR 42-600s and 54 ATR 72-600s).