ATR, Franco-Italian turboprop aircraft manufacturer, has announced the stop of its ATR 42-600S Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft development. This strategic decision follows an extensive market review and ongoing supply chain challenges.
The ATR 42-600S was designed to serve remote and less developed airports with runways as short as 800 meters. However, the market for such aircraft has diminished due to runway extensions and the construction of alternative airports closer to urban centers. This shift has reduced the number of viable airports for the STOL variant, impacting its financial viability.
ATR, co-owned by Airbus and Leonardo, has decided to focus on enhancing its existing fleet, which includes the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 models. These enhancements aim to reduce operational costs, improve fuel efficiency, and incorporate more sustainable technologies. This pivot aligns with ATR’s commitment to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, stated,
“As a global leader in the regional market, ATR has a responsibility to continuously evaluate its product portfolio to meet market demand. Halting the STOL project allows us to concentrate on improving our current models, ensuring they remain competitive and reliable for our customers”.
This decision also reflects broader industry trends where manufacturers are cautious about launching new models due to economic uncertainties and shifts in market demand. By focusing on its established products, ATR aims to strengthen its market position and reduce development risks.
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