ATR Discontinues ATR 42-600S, Leaving Short Runway Destinations Unserved
ATR has announced the discontinuation of the ATR 42-600S, a Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) variant designed for extremely short runways. The decision follows a comprehensive review of the world market and ongoing supply chain tensions. Over 1,000 airports worldwide, with runways between 800 and 1,000 meters in length, could have benefited from this aircraft.
The ATR 42-600S was initially presented at the Paris Air Show in 2019 with Air Tahiti as the launch customer. ATR's CEO, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, had previously expressed enthusiasm for the project in 2022. However, the reasons behind the decision to discontinue the development are complex and not explicitly stated. Possible factors include insufficient market demand, technological challenges, stiff competition, financial considerations, regulatory hurdles, and changes in the market environment.
ATR cited over 1,000 airports worldwide that could have been served by the ATR 42-600S with full payload. However, it is unclear whether ATR overestimated the demand for this variant or if potential customers extended their runways, making the aircraft less necessary.
The discontinuation of the ATR 42-600S project is a setback for airlines seeking to serve destinations with extremely short runways. ATR's decision, while disappointing, is likely based on a complex interplay of market forces and operational challenges. The aviation industry will now look to alternative solutions to serve these underserved markets.
