Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR has received approval from EASA to extend the intervals between Type C maintenance checks from 5,000 to 8,000 flight hours, for all of its aircraft series. Through this 60% increase in intervals, ATR operators will benefit from a significant reduction in aircraft maintenance costs and increased availability.
David Brigante, ATR’s senior vice president, Customer Support and Services, commented: “All airlines want their aircraft flying as much as possible, and as their partner all along the way, we are continuously striving to enhance the value of our products. By extending the intervals between these heavy maintenance checks, we offer our operators the potential to generate more revenues, as they will see their aircraft flying up to three more days a year when considering both A and C check improvements now in place. This also reflects the robust maintenance procedures we have in place, and our commitment to placing our customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do.”
With a global fleet of over 1,200 aircraft, flown by 200 operators in 100 countries, ATR is constantly looking for ways to reduce direct maintenance costs and increase revenue potential for its customers. In February 2019, ATR had already received certification from EASA to extend the intervals between Type A maintenance checks from 500 to 750 hours, for all of its aircraft series.
More recently, in November 2021, the manufacturer has set a new standard in operating economics for regional aviation, with the introduction of its new PW127XT engine series as the standard engine for the ATR 72 and 42 aircraft. ATR’s customers will benefit from 40% extended time on wing, bringing the engine overhaul to 20,000 hours, resulting in fewer events over the lifecycle of the aircraft. This will allow a 20% reduction in engine maintenance costs.
