Today, regional aircraft manufacturer ATR announced its plans for the next generation of its best-selling family of regional aircraft, the ATR “EVO,” due to enter service by 2030.
The next generation of aircraft will feature a new powerplant with hybrid capability and improvements in performance, economics, and sustainability. The new eco-design will include new propellers, upgraded systems, and an enhanced cabin. The aircraft will remain a two-engine turboprop that can run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The Toulouse-based company ranks as the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer with customers in over 100 countries worldwide and recently celebrated its 40th birthday. Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, highlighted the potential of the new generation to reduce emissions worldwide:
“Our next generation of aircraft will be a step forward in responsible flying through further incremental innovation. When it enters the market, the new ATR ‘EVO’ will pave the way towards a decarbonised future for aviation.”
A significant step forward for sustainable regional flying.
ATR currently provides several models of its turboprop aircraft to regional carriers across the globe and is striving to lead the charge toward decarbonization. The manufacturer recently reaffirmed its focus on lowering maintenance costs and emissions in the Asia-Pacific region, where it maintains a significant presence. The area contains a considerable number of isolated communities that rely on these short-haul aircraft to transport cargo and passengers.
ATR will achieve cost-saving through a 20% lower fuel burn and a 20% overall reduction in maintenance costs. The aircraft will also feature improved performance in terms of time to climb and an enhanced cabin, which will utilize lighter bio-sourced and recycled materials.
The forthcoming ATR ‘EVO’ aims to be more economical than its current iteration, with customers predicted operating cost savings in the double-digits. Fabrice Vautier, Senior Vice President Commercial at ATR, highlighted the benefits to regional airlines:
“This means airlines can serve thin routes more profitably, and communities can benefit from more connectivity, more essential services, and more economic development.”
“Our aim is to continue to offer customers and society ever more inclusive and responsible air transportation.”
When powered by traditional jet fuel, the ‘EVO’ aircraft will emit over 50% less CO2 than a regional jet. When using 100% SAF, its emissions will be close to zero.
Current models are being adapted to use SAF as well.
The manufacturer successfully operated a series of flights earlier this year using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Over seven hours of flight time was completed with a prototype ATR 72-600 aircraft using second-generation biofuel by NESTE, which comes from renewable waste and residue raw materials. ATR aims to have its aircraft certified to fly on 100% SAF by 2025.
The flights resulted from a collaboration between ATR, NESTE, and Braathens Regional Airlines. The Scandinavian carrier hopes to operate one of its ATR aircraft entirely on sustainable fuels before the end of the year. The estimated CO2 emissions reductions for an ATR turboprop flying solely on SAF in both engines on regional routes is estimated to be up to 82%.
The Finnish fuel provider recently signed deals with United Airlines, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and Boeing to deliver SAF. Neste currently produces 100,000 tons of SAF per year and looks to increase to 1.5 million tons (1.875 billion liters) annually by the end of 2023.
Source: simpleflying.com