During the Paris Air Show 2017, which took place last week, ATR stated that it is indeed preparing a version of the ATR-600 42 for use on short-haul runways, with upgrades that improve the performance of the aircraft in takeoff and landing, thus creating the ATR 42-600S, according to the company.
The ATR upgrades reduce the minimum runway requirements to 800 meters (2624 feet), meaning any airport with a runway longer than 800 meters will be able to accommodate the ATR turboprop, thus expanding the market the aircraft can serve.
“By improving these capabilities, hundreds of airports with runway lengths between 800 and 900 meters will be able to receive the aircraft,” said ATR CEO Christian Scherer.
“Facilitating the emergence of future traffic as well as maintaining connectivity in communities is a role for ATR,” said ATR CEO Christian Scherer. "That's why we decided to further address the challenges of airfield accessibility, enabling the growth of air services to remote areas as well."
With this upgrade alone, ATR expects to sell 600 more aircraft by 2036. The ATR 42-600 is a turbo-prop aircraft with capacity for 42 to 50 engers, the aircraft specifically caters to the regional market.
