ATR approved for unpaved runway operations in Russia’s Siberia and Far East
ATR is eager to further contribute to country’s local and regional development
ATR obtained the company’s receipt of fleet-wide approval for new generation ATR aircraft to operate from 3 more unpaved runways in the remote parts of Russia. Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) delivered the approval in late June this year. This certification brings to 4 a total number of runways already approved for use and operations: Mys Kamenny, Lensk, Bodaibo and Igrim, the latest being certified last year. 
The certification allows ATR aircraft to operate from gravel, dirt and grass strips. This significant upgrade to ATR's outstanding performance package was accomplished runway per runway, each of which had undergone extensive and thorough operational expertise and testing performed by ATR engineering team. More unpaved air strips are being assessed to gain approval for ATR operations.
Today, with this additional performance advantage, ATR aircraft are the only in-production foreign turboprops above 50 seats having received the certification for unpaved runway operations from IAC. “The ability to land and depart from unpaved runways adds increased operating flexibility to an already outstanding and robust ATR aircraft requiring minimal airframe modifications,” said Carmine Orsi, ATR Senior Vice President Technical.
With its expanded performance and the ability to operate from unpaved surfaces, ATR proves its commitment and enthusiasm to further invest in Russia’s high potential market. ATR turboprops aim to improve communications with Russia’s most remote regions where harsh environmental conditions and country’s vast territory make road transportation impracticable.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open over 130 new routes every year on average, burn 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.