Abelo Transforms Turboprop Order Amid ATR STOL Shift
Leasing firm Abelo, headquartered in Dublin and specializing in turboprop leasing, has made a significant strategic move in response to changing market dynamics and ATR’s updated product strategy. On January 10, 2024, the company announced that it has converted its entire outstanding order for ten ATR 42 STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) turboprop aircraft into an equivalent number of standard ATR aircraft—specifically, five ATR 42-600s and five ATR 72-600s. In addition, Abelo has firmly secured another three ATR 72-600s, reinforcing its commitment to the turboprop segment.
Originally, the ATR 42 STOLs were part of a broader order for 20 aircraft placed at the 2022 Farnborough Air Show. However, this initial order has now been completely transformed following ATR’s decision, announced in November 2024, to discontinue the development and production of the STOL variant of the ATR 42. ATR stated that its decision was based on an overestimation of the market demand for such specialized aircraft. The move to drop the STOL version reflects a broader industry shift as regional airports in markets such as south-east Asia continue to invest in extended runway infrastructure, reducing the need for aircraft designed for short take-offs and landings.
For operators that once relied on the unique capabilities of the ATR 42 STOL to serve small, regional airports with short runways, this change poses a challenge. However, Abelo’s quick pivot to converting its order into standard ATR models demonstrates its agility and commitment to meet the prevailing market demands. The new order now consists of five ATR 42-600s, which are well-regarded for their performance and efficiency on regional routes, and five ATR 72-600s, which offer greater capacity along with the same operational reliability and environmental benefits that attract operators to turboprop solutions. The addition of an extra three ATR 72-600s further cements Abelo’s dedication to this segment of the market.
Mathieu Duquesnoy, Chief Marketing Officer at Abelo, highlighted the significance of the strategic decision in an interview with AeroTime: “This investment reflects the growing demand for advanced turboprop solutions in the regional aviation market, aligning perfectly with Abelo’s mission to drive the transition to environmentally responsible air travel.” Duquesnoy’s statement underscores that despite the cancellation of the ATR 42 STOL variant, there is still strong and growing demand among regional operators for modern, efficient turboprop aircraft that offer lower emissions and cost-effective operations.
Abelo’s decision not only safeguards its investment during this period of transition for ATR but also positions the company as a forward-thinking leader in regional aircraft leasing. By shifting its order to the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 models, Abelo demonstrates a proactive approach to market realities—ensuring that operators receive aircraft that align with the current infrastructure and regulatory requirements. This transformation of its order portfolio is expected to benefit both Abelo and its airline partners as they navigate the evolving landscape of regional aviation.
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