ATR ‘-600’ aircraft receive ETOPS 120 minutes certification
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has just granted ATR, the European manufacturer of turboprop aircraft, “ETOPS 120 minutes” certification of its new ‘-600’ series ATR aircraft. This ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Performance Standards) certification means that the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 versions can now fly with one engine, as far as 120 flight minutes from any airport at which they can land. “ETOPS 120” thus allows aircraft to provide direct links between airports located at maximum distances equaling four flight hours (two hours maximum flight time from the departure airport plus two hours maximum flight time to the closest airport where to land safely).
The ATR 42 and ATR 72 are the only regional turboprop aircraft to hold this 120-minutes certification, which is very important for air networks, such as in French Polynesia or Siberia, where the distances between the two closest airports can be up to 2,000 kilometers. This “ETOPS 120 minutes” certification enables to establish more direct flight plans between departure points and the final destination, with considerable reduction in journey time, fuel consumption and gas emissions.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.