#thenewscompany: The ATR 72-600 is a highly efficient turboprop regional airliner produced by the French-Italian company ATR (Avions de Transport Régional). Known for its reliability, cost-efficiency, and environmentally friendly performance, the ATR 72-600 has become one of the most popular aircraft for short-haul flights worldwide.
Key Specifications and Features
Capacity: The ATR 72-600 can carry between 68 and 78 passengers, depending on the seating configuration.
Range: It has a maximum range of approximately 1,665 kilometers (900 nautical miles).
Speed: The cruise speed is around 510 km/h (276 knots).
Engines: Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprop engines, the aircraft is designed for fuel efficiency.
Advanced Avionics: The ATR 72-600 features a glass cockpit with state-of-the-art avionics, including a multi-function display (MFD) and enhanced situational awareness systems.
Environmentally Friendly: It emits up to 40% less CO2 per passenger compared to regional jets.
The ATR 72-600 is a cornerstone of regional aviation in Bangladesh, widely used by airlines such as US-Bangla Airlines, Air ASTRA and NOVOAIR. Its ability to operate on shorter runways makes it ideal for connecting remote areas to major cities, fostering economic growth and accessibility.
Why It’s Popular in Bangladesh:
Operational Efficiency: The aircraft’s low fuel consumption reduces operational costs, which is crucial for maintaining affordable ticket prices in a price-sensitive market.
Adaptability to Local Airports: Many regional airports in Bangladesh have short runways, and the ATR 72-600’s short takeoff and landing capabilities are well-suited to these conditions.
Passenger Comfort: Despite its small size, the ATR 72-600 offers a comfortable flying experience with noise-reducing technology and spacious seating for short-haul flights.
As of January 2025, the ATR 72 fleet in Bangladesh comprises the following:
US-Bangla Airlines: Operates 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft, each configured with 72 to 78 seats.
NOVOAIR: Maintains a fleet of 5 ATR 72-500 aircraft, each with a seating capacity of approximately 68 to 72 passengers.
Air Astra: Operates 4 ATR 72-600 aircraft, each configured with 70 seats.
In total, Bangladeshi airlines operate 19 ATR 72 aircraft, with configurations varying to accommodate between 68 and 78 passengers, depending on the airline and specific aircraft model.
Global Popularity
Globally, the ATR 72-600 is one of the best-selling regional aircraft, operating in over 100 countries. Airlines in Asia, Europe, and South America prefer it for regional connectivity. Its adaptability, cost-efficiency, and reliability make it a favorite among both passengers and operators.
Notable Global Operators:
Air New Zealand: Uses the ATR 72-600 for domestic routes, connecting smaller cities with major hubs.
TruJet (India): Plays a significant role in the Indian government’s regional connectivity scheme.
Binter Canarias (Spain): Operates the ATR 72-600 to connect the Canary Islands with its excellent short-haul capabilities.
Advantages of the ATR 72-600
Cost-Effective: Lower operational and maintenance costs make it highly profitable for airlines.
Fuel Efficiency: Consumes 45% less fuel than regional jets, contributing to lower emissions.
Operational Flexibility: Ideal for high-frequency routes and underserved regional destinations.
Sustainability: Reduced environmental impact aligns with global goals for greener aviation.
Future Prospects
With the increasing demand for regional connectivity, the ATR 72-600 is poised to maintain its dominance in the market. Its ability to provide efficient and sustainable travel solutions aligns well with the current global emphasis on environmentally conscious aviation.
In conclusion, the ATR 72-600 has carved out a unique niche in the aviation industry, excelling as a workhorse for regional routes. Its combination of cost-efficiency, adaptability, and environmental benefits makes it a cornerstone of regional air travel in Bangladesh and beyond.
About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
Image : ATR
