ATRr’s 600 Series is close to first flight

Royal Air Maroc is one of the most recent customers to sign up for the new 600 Series of ATR-42s and ATR-72s being developed by Avions de Transport Regional. The new aircraft is due to make its first flight next month as the French-Italian manufacturer heads for projected certification in the second half of 2010. The new twin turboprops will feature a new all-glass cockpit from Thales, upgrades to its Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 engines, which will deliver 5 percent more power for improved hot-and-high performance. The aircraft’s new Elegance cabin will be two decibels quieter and will also have more baggage space. ATR will also give customers the option of having a new front door that is compatible for use with airport jetways.