A brand new addition to the ATR aircraft family - the ATR 42-600S

On Wednesday 9 October, at a press conference held at the ERA General Assembly, ATR's CEO Stefano Bortoli has officially announced that the company will soon be welcoming a new member in its aircraft family. The ATR Board of Directors has approved the launch of the ATR 42-600S (for STOL – Short Take-Off and Landing).

This new version, which doesn't replace the ATR 42-600, offers take-off and landing capabilities on runways as short as 800m with up to 42 passengers on board. This makes the ATR 42-600S the best performing aircraft in this segment.

To-date, ATR has already recorded 20 commitments from operators and lessors for this variant, including Elix Aviation Capital (10 aircraft) and Air Tahiti (two aircraft) which were announced at this year's Paris Air Show. The certification of the ATR 42-600S is expected for the second half of 2022, with the first delivery expected immediately after.

Compared to a standard ATR 42, the 42-600S will have a larger rudder for increased control of the aircraft at lower speed. It will be able to symmetrically deploy its spoilers to improve braking efficiency on landing, and will come with an autobrake system, to ensure that the full braking power occurs immediately upon landing.

Adding the ATR 42-600S to the family paves the way for the company's future. With this new version, ATR forecasts to expand its addressable market by 25%. Close to 500 airports across the globe have a runway comprised between 800-1,000m and could welcome the ATR 42-600S. This is clear illustration of the company's dedication in helping more people and remote communities benefit from being part of a connected world, in a sustainable way.