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Turboprop maker ATR has received confirmation that its near-term emissions reduction targets comply with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) program. This means that the sustainability targets of ATR’s production processes and products set for 2030 are realistic and workable. The Science Based Targets initiative has developed special guidance for aviation in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund, the International Council for Clean Transportation, and Boston Consulting Group. ATR’s shareholder Airbus received approval of its SBTi targets one year ago in February 2023, while Leonardo says in its 2023 sustainability action plan that it is committed to the program. The sustainability strategy of ATR identifies two areas of emission reduction. Those from internal operations or Scope 1 and 2, and those from indirect operations coming from the products sold, or Scope 3. Compared to 2018 levels, ATR wants to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50.4 percent and fully neutralize residual emissions by 2030. This will be done by improving the energy efficiency of its offices and production facilities, using more renewable energy sources, substituting the most emissive refrigerant gasses, inducting electric vehicles, and introducing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Part of this process is identifying the most emissive production processes and suppliers and taking action to reduce the footprint. ATR says that the Toulouse Blagnac and Francazal sites already use renewable energies. Many other steps have also been taken. Technical innovations For Scope 3, ATR wants to realize a 30 percent reduction in absolute carbon greenhouse gas emissions of its aircraft by 2030 on the pathway to become net zero in 2050. This strategy rests on three pillars: the use of SAF and getting to the certification of 100 percent SAF as quickly as possible. All ATR aircraft will be certified for pure SAF by 2025. The second pillar of Scope 3 is technical innovation. A first step was taken in 2022 with the introduction of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engine, which brings a modest 3 percent improvement in specific fuel consumption. Further engine and propeller updates combined with hybrid-electric propulsion reduce emissions by 20 percent. These options are studied as part of the EVO model, which ATR also announced in 2022 but has not been officially launched yet. ATR thinks that a 40 percent reduction of emissions is possible with even more disruptive propulsion technologies – including hybrid-electric -, but they will likely be possible only by 2035 or 2040. This seems to rule out the first version of the EVO, which should be available around 2030. The third pillar on which ATR’s strategy is based looks at aircraft operations, especially air traffic management improvements. The airframer will also develop or source new services that will help airlines reduce fuel burn and emissions. First delivery of 2024 Comparing ATR with Airbus, the turboprop maker has set the bar slightly lower when it comes to SBTi targets. The 50.4 percent reduction for Scope 1 and 2 compares to “up to 63 percent” that Airbus shared last year. At 30 percent, Scope 3 is also below the Airbus target of 46 percent, although this extends through 2035. With the disruptive technologies that ATR is counting on, it should not be far from what Airbus has targeted. In a media statement, CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude says: “Receiving SBTi’s approval for our emissions reduction targets is a strong testimony to the validity of the goals we have set for our company and products. It shows that we are taking the necessary steps to align with the 1.5°C trajectory and serves as a powerful encouragement for our customers and suppliers to join us in reducing the environmental impact of our activities. Achieving low-emission aviation requires a collective effort, and ATR is committed to playing its part in limiting the effects of climate change.” ATR also announced on Monday that it has delivered its first 72-600 of 2024 to lessor Abelo, which has placed the aircraft with Greek airline SKY Express. The delivery, which actually happened on January 15, is the first of two ATRs delivered to the carrier. The second will be due in March. The aircraft is the first from Abelo’s backlog of 30 ATR 72-600s. At last November’s Dubai Airshow, Abelo signed a firm order for 10 aircraft plus 10 options.

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