ATR, in collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada, achieves a major milestone by obtaining Transport Canada’s certification for the PW127XT-L engine. This engine, designed to power ATR’s upcoming ATR 42-600S Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, promises enhanced performance, significantly reducing take-off and landing distances. The development is set to increase regional airport accessibility and global connectivity. EASA validation is expected by year-end, with an eye on entry into service in 2025 and strong interest from various regions, including Europe.
During the European Regions Airline Association General Assembly, Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR proudly announced the certification of the PW127XT-L engine by Transport Canada. This development is a pivotal achievement in the ongoing program to enhance regional connectivity and accessibility to airports worldwide.
The PW127XT-L engine variant, designed to meet the demands of ATR’s forthcoming Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, the ATR 42-600S, offers enhanced performance. This achievement signals a significant step toward reducing take-off and landing distances, with the ATR 42-600S capable of operating on runways as short as 800 meters under standard flight conditions. This opens doors to more than 1,000 airports globally, providing local communities with faster, more comfortable, and eco-friendly access to global opportunities in commerce, healthcare, education, and culture, all while creating new horizons for airlines.
Edward Hoskin, Vice President of Engineering at Pratt & Whitney Canada, emphasized, “The PW127XT-L marks the 200th engine type certification achieved by Pratt & Whitney Canada. It offers a 20% reduction in maintenance costs, a 40% increase in time on wing, and a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency, contributing to reduced CO2 emissions—all hallmarks of the PW127XT engine series.”
Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice President of Engineering at ATR, commented on the significance of this certification, noting that the engine modifications, along with other technical improvements in rudders and avionics, have a profound impact on take-off performance. The PW127XT-L shares the same turbomachinery as the existing PW127XT-M, with the Engine Electronic Control adapted to provide greater versatility and increased performance. This milestone is the result of months of dedicated effort and close collaboration between the ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada teams.
The validation of these engine modifications by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected by the year’s end. The next focus for ATR is the integration of the modified engine with other aircraft systems, with an anticipated entry into service in 2025.
ATR has already secured more than 20 commitments for the ATR 42-600S and envisions substantial potential for this aircraft variant in various regions worldwide, with notable interest in Europe, including countries such as Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Italy, and Norway.”