ATR 72-600 Sets New Fuel Efficiency Standard with CS-CO₂ Certification

ATR once again demonstrates its leadership in fuel efficiency and responsible innovation, with the ATR 72-600 becoming the first sub-100-seat aircraft to receive EASA’s CS-CO₂ certification , based on the ICAO’s latest CO₂ efficiency standard. This certification – awarded well ahead of the 2028 regulatory mandate – not only testifies of ATR’s long-term commitment to fuel efficiency, but it also serves as an objective industry validation, reinforcing ATR’s position as the leader in low-emission regional air transport.

ATR’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility underscores the unique advantages of turboprop technology as the most efficient solution for low-emission regional connectivity.

With the PW127XT engine launched in 2021, the ATR 72-600 outperforms ICAO’s most stringent standard – the “new type” criteria – by over 20%, setting a new standard for fuel efficiency.

The aircraft’s performance also makes it the only sub-100-seat aircraft eligible for alignment under EU-Taxonomy CO₂ efficiency standards, which require a -11% threshold versus the “new type” criteria. This certification also provides airlines and lessors with an important reference point for the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), due in 2028, allowing them to demonstrate their commitment to fleet sustainability.

With this certification, airlines now have a game-changing opportunity to modernise their fleets with the industry’s most efficient regional aircraft. More than 200 aircraft of this size currently operating in Europe do not meet these criteria, and ATR turboprops offer the natural solution for reducing emissions while maintaining essential connectivity.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, commented: “This certification is not just a recognition of ATR’s commitment – it is proof that we are ahead of the curve. Sustainability is our pride, our competitive edge, and it’s deeply embedded in our DNA. We have won new orders specifically because of the sustainability credentials of our aircraft.”

Looking ahead, ATR will further strengthen its leadership with the planned ATR 42 certification in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the next generation of low-emission regional air transport.

This recognition builds on ATR’s long-standing record of environmental compliance, reinforcing the most stringent ICAO noise certification – Chapter 14 – already granted to both aircraft in 2022 with a comfortable margin that meets EU-taxonomy standards.