ATR42-600S STOL makes first flight

On 11 May 2022, ATRs latest version of its ATR42-600, the Short Take-Off & Landing, or STOL, took to the skies for the very first time. The aircraft, F-WWLY (811), took off from Toulouse-Francazal and flew for two hours and fifteen minutes.

The ATR wasn't in full final STOL-configuration yet and more additional features will be added in the coming months, most notably an enlarged rudder. ATR is expecting to reach certification of the ATR42-600S next year.

The ATR42-600S can seat between 30 and 50 passengers and will be able to depart and land from runways as short as 800 meters. Worldwide, there are close to 500 airports with a runway between 800 and 1,000 meters. So far, the manufacturer has logged 20 orders and commitments from airlines and lessors for its newest version.

Photo by ATR.