Following an extensive market review, and in light of lingering tensions on its supply chain, ATR has decided to focus its efforts on further boosting the competitiveness of its current product portfolio. As a consequence, the company said that it will stop development of the new ATR 42-600S short takeoff and landing (STOL) variant, in a move reflecting its commitment to aligning operations with evolving market dynamics.
According to ATR, the review of market conditions, technological advancements, and future projections showed a reduced addressable market for the ATR 42-600S model compared to the initial forecast. The company noted, for example, that in Southeast Asia, the number of targeted airports requiring STOL-capable aircraft has significantly decreased, primarily because of runway extensions or the construction of nearby alternative airports, and that this trend is mirrored in other key target markets. ATR added that, while this reduces the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S, it means that its current product line can operate at its full capacity.
ATR’s current product line of turboprop airliners includes the 48-passenger ATR 42-600 and the 72-78 passenger ATR 72-600. The manufacturer, a joint venture of Airbus and Leonardo, delivered 36 aircraft in 2023 (including an estimated 32 ATR 72-600s and four ATR 42-600s), and plans to deliver a similar number in 2024.
ATR had launched the ATR 42-600S, a STOL version of the ATR 42-600, in October 2019. Certification of the -600S had been planned to be achieved by June 2025. As of February 2024, ATR had 21 orders for the -600S. Production of the -600S was to have supplemented production of the standard ATR 42-600.
ATR indicated that the refocusing of its business efforts will enable it to shift efforts towards enhancing its existing product lines, advancing technological innovation, and addressing emerging market demands more effectively. This includes further market penetration into North America, where ATR is looking to replace aging fleets of regional jets and boost point-to-point regional connections.
Raymond Jaworowski currently co-authors three of Forecast International's best-selling products: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, and Rotorcraft Forecast. As a contributor to Aviation Week & Space Technology's Aerospace Source Book, he has authored Aircraft Outlooks, and provided input for the publication's Aircraft Specifications tables. Raymond has represented Forecast International at numerous conferences and trade shows, often as a featured speaker. He is a member of the American Helicopter Society.
