ATR approved for unpaved runway operations in Russia’s Siberia and Far East
ATR is eager to further contribute to country’s local and regional development
ATR obtained the company’s receipt of fleet-wide approval for new generation ATR aircraft to operate from 3 more unpaved runways in the remote parts of Russia. Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) delivered the approval in late June this year. This certification brings to 4 a total number of runways already approved for use and operations: Mys Kamenny, Lensk, Bodaibo and Igrim, the latest being certified last year. 
The certification allows ATR aircraft to operate from gravel, dirt and grass strips. This significant upgrade to ATR's outstanding performance package was accomplished runway per runway, each of which had undergone extensive and thorough operational expertise and testing performed by ATR engineering team. More unpaved air strips are being assessed to gain approval for ATR operations.
Today, with this additional performance advantage, ATR aircraft are the only in-production foreign turboprops above 50 seats having received the certification for unpaved runway operations from IAC. “The ability to land and depart from unpaved runways adds increased operating flexibility to an already outstanding and robust ATR aircraft requiring minimal airframe modifications,” said Carmine Orsi, ATR Senior Vice President Technical.
With its expanded performance and the ability to operate from unpaved surfaces, ATR proves its commitment and enthusiasm to further invest in Russia’s high potential market. ATR turboprops aim to improve communications with Russia’s most remote regions where harsh environmental conditions and country’s vast territory make road transportation impracticable.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.