ATR Halts Development of ATR 42-600S STOL Aircraft

ATR, the Franco-Italian turboprop manufacturer, has announced the cessation of the ATR 42-600S short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft project, focusing instead on its current product range. The decision, revealed in a press release on November 13, 2024, comes after an extensive market review and is attributed to ongoing supply chain challenges.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s CEO, explained, “ATR has a responsibility towards its customers, stakeholders, and the industry at large to continuously evaluate its product portfolio to meet market demand.” She added, “The decision to halt the STOL project reflects our dedication to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

ATR 42-600S: A Vision for Regional Connectivity

The ATR 42-600S was envisioned as a STOL-capable variant of the ATR 42-600, designed to operate on runways as short as 800 meters (2,600 feet) with 40 passengers on board. This would have made it suitable for regional airports that other aircraft of similar size couldn’t access, offering a unique solution for underserved airports.

However, following a comprehensive review, ATR found that the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S was smaller than initially projected. The company noted a significant reduction in the number of airports in Southeast Asia requiring STOL-capable aircraft, mainly due to runway extensions or the construction of alternative nearby airports. This trend was also observed in other key markets.

Focus Shifts to Existing Aircraft Models

The company now plans to concentrate on enhancing its current product lineup, including the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600, to better meet market demands and technological advancements. “While this reduces the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S, it means that our current product line can operate at its full capacity,” ATR stated.

Laude emphasized that this shift allows ATR to focus on increasing the competitiveness of its existing models. “Delivering strong value propositions to regional airlines has always been central to our success,” she said.

ATR is also planning to expand its reach into the North American market, aiming to update aging regional jet fleets and improve direct regional connections. This strategy will help further strengthen the company’s position in the global regional aviation market.

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