ATR: Aircraft at the service
of comfort and respect for
the environment
 
Propeller and turboprop aircraft have returned to the forefront of the regional aircraft scene in recent years, with significantly higher sales than jets. Their improved efficiency and performance, their increased comfort and their respect for the environment make these aircraft the optimal choice for airlines operating in this sector. Within this context, the Franco-Italian constructor ATR is well known as the propeller aircraft market leader. Here are the reasons for its success.
For an airline, the cost of an aircraft per kilometer and per passenger is of prime importance in the choice of the aircraft. 0ver regional distances, up to 400 nautical miles (740 kilome¬ters), speed is not the main issue as the gain in time offered by a jet over that of a turboprop is of 20 minutes, being practically unnoticeable to passengers.
At routes of up to 400 nautical miles, the most recent turboprops, such as the ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, are more efficient and consume up to 40% less fuel than a jet. 0nly over 400 nautical miles the regional jets become more interesting, because of their higher productivity due to the speed, which enables an additional rotation of the aircraft. For the distance outlined above, the turbo-prop is considerably more interesting in terms of the balance between journey time and journey cost.
Technology at the service of passenger comfort
The most recent versions of propeller aircraft represent an enormous step forward in passenger comfort. This technological progress has changed the perception of users of this type of aircraft, which are now considered as modern and offering an equal level of comfort to that of regional jets. 0n the latest ATR aircraft, for example, there is a noticeable reduction in vibration and noise inside the cabin: 79 decibels instead of 86. The exterior noise reduction, from 262 to 252 decibels, is also notable: it will easily enable observance of the sound emission thresholds - 271 decibels - for the next twenty years. The improvements in the ATR cabin, with leather seats, LED lighting and in-flight entertainment systems (IFE) also contribute to reinforcing the comfort offered to each passenger.
ATR, the green aircraft
Fuel consumption plays an increasingly important role in the choice of regional airlines. A fleet of ten ATR turboprops, in comparison with a fleet of ten regional jets, enable a fuel saving of 3 million US gallons, valued at US$ 9 million, as well as a saving of some 28,000 tons of C02 emissions per year. This is
not an inconsiderable advantage when ecological and econom¬ical concerns play an important part in decisions. With the ATRs, regional aviation already has its "green aircraft".
ATR -600 series, the next aircraft
In line with its policy of continuous development, ATR has recently developed a new version, the -600 series, of which the first ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 will roll out at the start of 2011. This new version will present an even more remarkable level
of comfort, as well as new systems for navigation, recording, automatic pilot and a cockpit with LCD screens, as well as a multi-role computer enabling engine power use optimization and considerably facilitating maintenance. The ATR -600s also push back the limitations for landing in poor weather conditions, which will improve operational regularity.
The worldwide demand for turbo-props is estimated to be in the region of 2900 aircraft over the next 20 years. The ATR comfort levels and respect for the environment, but also their performance, state of the art technology and their efficiency over short haul routes are clear reasons why these aircraft are attractive to regional airlines. Taking account of these advan¬tages, ATR counts on keeping its position as the turbo-prop market leader, with a market share above 50%.
The ATR cabin features the highest comfort available in the regional aviation
　
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本文鏈接地址：EUROCONTROL EBAA IAOPA Yearbook 2009: The Business of Flying(42)