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Turboprop maker ATR scraps brand-new model to concentrate on existing variety

Turboprop airplane maker ATR stated on Wednesday it would scrap development of a brand-new design created to take off and arrive at brief runways and concentrate instead on its existing portfolio.

The French-Italian business, co-owned by Jet and Leonardo, said the choice to halt the brand-new ATR 42-600S Short Liftoff and Landing (STOL) advancement followed an extensive market review and remaining supply chain stress.

ATR is the world's biggest producer of local turboprop aircrafts, with a family of aircraft seating 42 to 78 individuals.

In 2019, the Toulouse-based manufacturer announced strategies to establish an unique version of its smallest design designed to squeeze in and out of airports with runways as short as 800 metres (2,600 feet), backed by 20 provisionary orders.

Customers for the version included Air Tahiti, Papua New Guinea's PNG Air and Irish lessor Elix Aviation Capital, according to previous ATR statements.

It said when releasing the project that the brand-new style would unlock access to 500 additional airports, reflecting rapid local economic development in markets such as Asia.

But revealing the decision to close the project on Wednesday, ATR said the variety of targeted airports in Southeast Asia that might require such an airplane had actually diminished since of runway extensions or the building and construction of close-by alternative airports.

France's Force Ouvriere union said there had been doubts over service plans and advancement costs. It warned of economic losses triggered by the repayment of airline deposits and stated ATR workers had actually been stunned by the choice to stop the task.

A spokesperson for ATR could not be grabbed remark.

ATR takes pleasure in a strong position in the market for turboprops, which are thought about more efficient than jets over short ranges, and faces minimal competition.

ATR turned its attention to the little and nimble STOL variant after market sources stated Plane had blocked plans favoured by its partner Leonardo to build a larger model with 100 seats.

In 2022, Brazil's Embraer deserted plans to develop an brand new turboprop aircraft.

(source: Reuters)