Toulouse, 8 December, 2015 – The high-density seating configuration option for the ATR 72-600 aircraft has received its certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Using the existing airframe, the new high density configuration option is achieved by optimizing the pitch and adjusting forward cargo compartment, bringing the aircraft maximum capacity from 74 to 78 seats. ATR’s greater passenger capacity further enhances airline revenue potential. The option will also be available as a retrofit.
Cebu Pacific was the first airline to choose the high-density seating, in a deal for sixteen new ATR 72-600s announced at the Paris Airshow earlier this year. The first aircraft in the 78-seat layout will enter commercial service in August 2016. The additional seats are very valuable for airlines operating in the regions where traffic grows rapidly and the demand is highly sensitive to fare.
“The demand comes from airlines, especially in the Southeast Asian market, requesting to further optimize the cabin space and to increase the number of available seats for regional flights,” says Thierry Casale, ATR Senior Vice President Programmes. “With the lowest seat-mile cost in the regional market and unparalleled operating economics, the 78-seat ATR 72-600 turboprop is a perfect combination between comfort and efficiency”.
About ATR:
Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,500 aircraft. With over 27 million flight hours, ATR models equip the fleets of more than 190 airlines in over 90 countries. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, the Airbus Group and Alenia Aermacchi, Finmeccanica Group. Its head office is in Toulouse. ATR is ISO 14001 certified.
For additional information, log on to www.atraircraft.com. Follow ATR on its official YouTube channel: ATRbroadcast and on Twitter: @ATRaircraft.
