ATR Receives EASA Approval to Extend Intervals of Type C Maintenance Checks

(17 Dec 2021)  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.

This 60% increase will result in a significant reduction in aircraft maintenance costs and increased availability for ATR operators.

Vasco ATR 72-500 reg: VN-B223. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

David Brigante, ATR’s Senior Vice President Customer Support and Services, said, “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.”

In February 2019, ATR 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 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.

The new engine allows ATR’s customers to 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.

There are currently over 1,200 ATR aircraft being flown by 200 operators in 100 countries.