Aircraft manufacturer ATR is working on extending the maintenance intervals for its ATR 42 and ATR 72 regional turboprops. The company aims to increase the current two-year C check cycle to every three or four years, which could significantly decrease aircraft downtime and operational costs for airline operators.
Daniel Cuchet, ATR’s SVP of engineering, stated that the initiative involves minimal redesigns of structural parts to ensure they can endure fatigue and corrosion for the extended intervals. The project, which has been under consideration for about a year, also requires regulatory approvals from agencies such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
The proposed changes will be implemented gradually, with the first step being a move to a three-year maintenance cycle in 2027-28. The modifications, if approved, are expected to help reduce maintenance-related disruptions, especially important given the market's sensitivity to rising costs and limited fare increases.
"The aircraft is designed for a lifespan of 35-40 years, with up to 70,000 flight hours, and these modifications aim to optimize maintenance windows to support this operational longevity," said Cuchet.
Ultimately, the extension of maintenance intervals and potential structural redesigns are intended to enhance aircraft availability and cost-efficiency for ATR’s fleet operators, contributing to the sustainability of regional aviation operations.
