ATR has begun deliveries of its updated -600 series development of the ATR 72, handing over two 72-600 turboprops to launch customer Royal Air Maroc (RAM) in a ceremony at Toulouse on August 19
ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato noted the importance of the turboprop’s first delivery, as the manufacturer begins to “ramp up” deliveries next year.
The ATR 72-600 received EASA type certification in May this year, while flight testing of the smaller ATR 42-600 is ongoing, with ATR expecting certification to be granted by the end of the year, ahead of service entry in 2012.
According to ATR, 180 -600 series ATRs have so far been ordered worldwide including four for Perth based carrier Skywest which it will operate on behalf of Virgin Australia. The -600 features improved performance from PW127M series engines, an advanced glass cockpit with Thales avionics, and a new passenger interior.
