Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR and Air Tahiti announced the signature of a firm order for one ATR 72-600 and confirmed a deal for two ATR 42-600S – for ‘STOL’, Short Take-Off and Landing aircraft.
For over 65 years, Air Tahiti has been offering essential connectivity to the communities of French Polynesia. A strong supporter of the ATR for more than 30 years, operating a fleet of 10 aircraft, it became the launch customer of the ATR 42 600S at the Paris Air Show in 2019. These additional aircraft will enable the airline to offer higher frequencies, but also higher capacity, as the ATR 42-600S will enable access to destinations with short runways, like Maupiti, using 100 percent of the aircraft load capacity.
Manate Vivish, Air Tahiti’s general manager, stated: “Air Tahiti has been supporting the social and economic development of French Polynesia for 65 years, offering its local communities a quick and affordable access to fresh produce, health, education and culture, whilst also boosting tourism. Our ATR fleet has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve this essential mission, and will continue to be as we keep growing and offering further sustainable connectivity.”
“Renewed confidence from a long-serving customer, such as Air Tahiti, is the best recognition of the efforts we are making every day to offer the most efficient, comfortable and sustainable regional aircraft, emitting 45 percent less CO2 than similar-size regional jets,” added Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s chief executive officer. “At ATR, we invest in technology that brings affordable regional mobility while meeting stakeholders’ sustainable objectives – and the ATR 42-600S is a clear demonstration of this approach.”
There are 1,000 airports around the world with runways between 800 and 1,000m that the ATR 42-600S will be able to access. The manufacturer has started test flights earlier this year, and the first deliveries are expected for end 2024.
EASA certifies ATR’s regional turboprop aircraft powered by PW127XT-M engine
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has type certified the leading turboprop manufacturer’s ATR 72 and 42 aircraft powered by the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-M engine. Boasting the latest materials and technologies available on the market, the new engine series enables next level efficiency and extended time (XT) on wing for its aircraft, bringing benefits of 20 percent reduction in maintenance costs and 3% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the PW127-M.
“Receiving EASA type certification is an important step towards entry into service of this new standard engine on our ATR aircraft, says ATR’s Stephane Viala, senior vice president for engineering. “ATR teams have been working with our partners at Pratt & Whitney Canada and the authorities to secure certification and move closer to providing customers with even more economical and sustainable powered regional turboprop aircraft. With maintenance cost benefits, CO2 savings, and SAF capability, it will help airlines such as Air Corsica, our launch customer, fulfil its industry pledges towards low-emission aviation.”
“The certification of ATR aircraft powered by our PW127XT-M engine is good news for the Regional Aviation segment as it delivers 40 percent more time on wing, 20 percent less maintenance costs and a 3 percent improvement in fuel consumption compared to the PW127-M,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president, sales and marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “ATR and P&WC have worked diligently to achieve this certification less than a year after the game-changing engine was unveiled. We congratulate ATR on this important milestone.”
The EASA certification follows that of Engine certification by Transport Canada Civil aviation and Engine EASA certification which were achieved respectively in August and early September. Revealed at the Dubai Airshow in 2021, the purpose-built new PW127XT-M engine will enter into service with launch customer Air Corsica before the end of the year.
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