Page 8 - FARNBOROUGH 2022 SHOW REVIEW

INTERVIEW
New Aircraft Takes Shape
“Our next generation of airliners, to be known as EVO, is taking
shape. We plan to freeze the design in 2023, This new family of
aircraft will take the design to the next level, with new engine
powerplants, and other innovative improvements in technology,
efficiency, economics and sustainability.”
These will be twin-turboprop hybrid-powered aircraft, slated for
entry into service by 2030. “We are talking to potential partners
and have sent a request for information to engine manufacturers
to develop the new powerplant.”
“The aircraft will be a step forward in responsible flying through
further incremental innovation. When it enters the market,
the new ATR ‘EVO’ will pave the way towards a decarbonised
future for aviation. Key benefits include a 20 per cent over-
ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli all fuel improvement and 100 per cent SAF compatibility. This
means that the aircraft will emit over 50 per cent less CO2 than
PROPELLING UP a regional jet when powered by kerosene. When using 100 per
cent SAF, its emissions will be close to zero.”

ATR PUTS IN A STERLING What is the Future?
PERFORMANCE AT “We look at the future with optimism. We see growth opportuni-
FARNBOROUGH ties in many countries and places. We have continued to invest
in our product, offering concrete solutions so that our customers
can operate their aircraft with the most sustainable business
− JAY MENON
model. “We also expect that our short take-off and landing
After facing a severe turbulence in its business (STOL) variant, the ATR 42-600S, is expected to enter service by
during the Covid-19 pandemic with deliveries dip- the end of 2024. Adding the ATR 42-600S to our family makes
ping almost into single digit in 2020, ATR seems to total sense and paves the way for the company’s future. There
be cruising at a comfortable height with deliveries is a huge potential for 50-seater aircraft and the ATR 42-600S
of 31 new and 10 second-hand aircraft to custom- could help airlines widen their horizons, as it can reach up to
ers last year. The company has also secured 35 around 500 new airports across the globe. This is clear illustra-
orders and letters of intent. tion of our dedication in helping more people and more remote
communities benefit from being part of a connected world and
The Turbojet aircraft manufacturer also put on a in a sustainable way. With this new version, we expect to expand
sterling performance at Farnborough, collecting the addressable market by 25 per cent, targeting new routes
orders and letters of intent for 58 more airplanes and the 30-seater STOL segment.” The flight-testing camping
across four operators. “I am relatively pleased with of the STOL ATR42-600 is due to commence soon.
our 2021 performance and the orders we received
at the Farnborough. We are definitely still a long On Sustainability
way before we get back to 2019 levels, but we are “ATR is responding by developing the most responsible and
working to get there,” said ATR chief executive affordable turboprop ever, soon to be operated by 100 per cent
Stefano Bortoli. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). We have just performed the first
flight ever with 100 per cent SAF in both engines on a commercial
“The consistency seen in the recovery is very reas- aircraft. Certification is also on track for its latest generation
suring,” the head of the Toulouse-based air framer PW127XT engine, with deliveries starting this year.”
said. The backlog at the end of 2021 stood at 196
aircraft. “We are looking at ramping up production To highlight the modernity, comfort, fuel-efficiency and versatility
and is targeting more than 50 deliveries in 2024,” of the ATR aircraft family, an ATR 72-600, soon to be 100 per cent
Bortoli, whose four-year tenure ends in September, SAF certified in both engines, was on static display at the show.
said. “And we expect a demand for at least 2,450
turboprop aircraft over the next 20 years as there “Expediting the transition to net zero carbon emissions can only
is an increasing demand for regional connections be achieved when all stakeholders within aviation work closely
and lower emission air transport. South East Asia, together. ATR, Swedish airline Braathens Regional Airlines and
China and Latin America have been identified as SAF supplier Neste supplier Neste collaborated to enable the first
areas of increased regional demand, as customer ever 100 per cent SAF-powered test flight on a commercial air-
expectations for faster delivery expands beyond craft. This historic test flight took place in Sweden and was part
key primary gateways in each region.” of the 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel certification process
of ATR aircraft that started in September 2021 in cooperation
with Braathens and Neste and this should be completed by 2025.
8 AUGUST 2022 WWW.GBP.COM.SG