Airline propagates latest-technology turboprop solution to reducing aviation emissions
Aer Arann ATR 72-500
Fri 2 May 2008 – Fast-growing Irish regional airline Aer Arann recently invested 180 million euros in a new fleet of ATR 72-500s and by 2009 the aircraft type will make up the entire Aer Arann fleet. The airline highlights that for a journey of less than 600 nautical miles, or 90 minutes flying time, a turboprop uses up to 70% less fuel than a similar-sized jet, emits 20% less CO2 per passenger-km than newer jets and produces three times less NOx than a car and 40% less than a train.
“Aer Arann planes uses less fuel to fly 230 miles than a jumbo jet guzzles on a runway – turboprop power is a revolution in air travel that makes environmental sense,” it says.
Colin Lewis, Head of Sales and Marketing at Aer Arann comments: “Once condemned for the relatively noisy and bumpy ride it offered passengers, the ATR is a popular equivalent to regional jets. They are more fuel efficient, the new planes are quieter and they are extremely reliable. I expect to see a large percentage of the airline industry moving back to propeller planes over the next five years.”
Garry Cullen, Managing Director says: “Aer Arann is committed to the principles of energy efficiency. Whilst the contribution of the aviation industry towards global warming is significantly less than other large polluters, our new ATR aircraft are recognized as the most fuel efficient aircraft in their category.
“The ATR operates more efficiently than jet aircraft on short-haul routes – up to 70% less fuel is required than a 737 on a typical Aer Arann sector. On a 370km sector, the ATR 72-500 fuel consumption per passenger is up to 15% lower than a typical European car. The associated ATR gaseous emissions per passenger in terms of CO2 are 15 times less than a car and comparable to a train.”
The aircraft manufacturer says its latest propulsion technology, combined with optimally designed high-lift systems, ensures the plane meets ICAO noise requirements with wide margins.
A representative at Toulouse-based ATR says: “Turboprop aircraft are currently outselling regional jets. Overall, the impact that the rising cost of oil is having on airline profits has helped to lift turboprop sales to about 400 last year, compared with about 250 jets in the same size bracket. We expect to see sales to continue to rise significantly as currently there is no other alternative to the ATR in the market place.”
ATR announced last October the launch of the -600 series, with first deliveries expected in the second half of 2010.