ATR 42 600S
ATR announced today that after “an extensive market review and in light of lingering tensions on its supply chain,” it decided to focus efforts on boosting the competitiveness of its current product portfolio. Consequently, ATR will stop developing its Short Take-Off and Landing variant (STOL), the ATR 42-600S. A “comprehensive review of market conditions, technological advancements and future projections” shows a reduced market for the model. In Southeast Asia, for instance, the number of targeted airports requiring STOL-capable aircraft decreased significantly because of runway extensions or the construction of nearby alternative airports.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “As a global leader in 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. The decision to halt the STOL project reflects our dedication to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.”
“We are now entering the next phase of growth and improvement where we will focus on further investing in the competitiveness of our market-leading products, the ATR 42-600 and 72-600. Delivering strong value propositions to regional airlines has always been central to our success. This commitment is the reason why our aircraft have remained industry leaders and a trusted choice for our customers over the past 40 years and continues to be our driving force for what lies ahead.” she added.
This decision looks appropriate as business generally slows down for the turboprop market. De Havilland Canada has not been clear about its next steps for the Dash 8, which is just as well because these turboprops are squarely in the sights of the hybrids being developed. Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 is smaller but points to where technologies are focused.
It was just announced today that MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) and Maeve Aerospace B.V. have agreed to cooperate on developing Maeve’s groundbreaking M80 aircraft, a hybrid like the ES-30. Whereas the ES-30 comes with four motors, two of which will likely be from Pratt & Whitney Canada, the M80 has two motors. Rumor has it these will also be from Pratt & Whitney Canada but be their forthcoming hybrid-electric solution.
Even as ATR withdraws from its STOL program, you can be sure it has as much information as possible on RTX’s new hybrid solution. ATR may be better off focusing on how they can deploy this powerplant or alternatives on their models. The evolution of technology in this segment makes it an exciting place.
Views: 12
