ATR
Given the specific nature of its network, Air Tahiti chose the ATR as the aircraft best suited to the majority of its routes. Able to operate from airstrips under 1,200 m long (3,937 ft), the ATR 42 and ATR 72 offer service quality similar to that of jets, yet with much lower fuel consumption than other machines in the same category.
Air Tahiti regularly renews its ATRs in order to maintain its fleet in line with current standards of comfort and performance. It recently acquired the latest model of the aircraft, the ATR 600, which has a new type of engine, new cabin layout and new cockpit.
Characteristcs
| Aircraft type | ATR 42 | ATR 72 |
| Number | 2 | 10 |
| Manufactured in | Europe | Europe |
| Propulsion | Twin turboprop | Twin turboprop |
| Seats | 48 | 70 |
| Speed | 520 km/h (323 mph) | 480 km/h (298 mph) |
| Playload | 5,2 tons | 7,2 tons |
| Holds | 9.6 m3/1,500 kg (3,306 lb) | 10,4 m3/1 650 kg (3,637 lb) |
| Cruising altitude | 6,000 m (19,685 ft) | 6, 000 m (19,685 ft) |
Maximum hold dimensions for ATR
| Aircraft type | Real hold 1 | Rear hold 2 | Left front hold | Right front hold |
| ATR 72 | 90 x 90 x 165 cm | 160 x 120 x 130 cm | 60 x 160 x 165 cm | 80 x 190 x 180 cm |
| ATR 42 | 90 x 90 x 165 cm | 160 x 120 x 130 cm | 60 x 195 x 160 cm | 80 x 120 x 180 cm |
Comfort
The last generations of ATR present a large number of improvements, in particular in terms of noise and vibrations:
- Six-blade propellers, designed by Hamilton Standard and Ratier Figeac
- Structural treatment of the fuselage, with installation of dynamic vibration absorbers
- An interior composed of acoustically absorbent materials
- The removal of sources of atmospheric noise, such as pressure outflow valves and hydraulic pumps.
In addition, its interior has the following features:
- A restyled layout
- The addition of an overhead handrail to help passengers and crew move around the cabin
- A quieter air-conditioning system, which has 35% more cooling capacity than that of the ATR 300.
These combined improvements offer the same level of passenger comfort as in a jet aircraft.
Performance
Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127F, PW127M or PW127XT engines provide the ATR with an excellent level of performance:
- A cruising speed above 300 knots
- A rapid climb rate from 1,500 to 17,000 feet in under 10 minutes.
- Outstanding takeoff and flight performance on a single engine, including at high altitude or high temperature.
Maximised operating weight, in line with new legislation, gives this aircraft type a maximum operating radius of 870 nautical miles and a return distance of 370 miles without refuelling, fully laden in both cases.
Cabin plans
ATR 72 :
ATR 42 :
ATR and the environment
Preserving the environment has always been a concern of aircraft manufacturer ATR, and its machines are designed and built with this in mind.
To this effect, ATR holds ISO 14001 environmental management certification, which attests to the manufacturer's compliance with environmental standards at every stage of the lifecycle of its aircraft: design, purchasing of parts and equipment, painting, operation of the aircraft by airlines, technical and operational support, etc.
Furthermore, ATR aircraft are designed to produce minimal noise pollution and environmental impact.
Their hi-tech propulsion system means they offer a large number of improvements in terms of noise and vibrations, resulting in reduced noise pollution.
Moreover, because of their design, ATRs have less impact on the greenhouse effect than most other means of transport. Turboprops emit approximately 20% less CO2 per passenger-kilometre than the latest regional jets
For further information about ATRs, please visit the manufacturer's website: http://www.atraircraft.com.