ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada to explore more efficient engine and hybrid-electric propulsion
A long-awaited partnership took shape at the Paris Air Show 2025: the intention of ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada to work together to explore advanced propulsion technology for regional turboprop aircraft.
Currently a supplier of the PW127 engines that power the 1,300-strong ATR, Pratt & Whitney will support the Italian-French manufacturer’s studies on the next generation of the aircraft, called the “EVO” concept.
The plan is divided into two goals, the first seeking to improve thermal efficiency to further reduce fuel consumption, in addition to applying advanced materials to improve engine durability and reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
The two companies will also pursue refinements to the aircraft’s aerodynamics in order to optimize the integration between engine, nacelle, wings and fuselage.
Hybrid-electric propulsion
The second area of work involves studying hybrid-electric propulsion, with an eye on the next generation of regional aircraft.
The two companies imagine that a new aircraft with this type of propulsion could be around 20% more economical and capable of significantly reducing emissions.
The horizon for the ATR replacement is the mid-2030s.
“As we work together on further improvements to the PW127XT-M, we are shaping the technologies that will drive the next generation of regional aircraft – a key step in the feasibility study for the ATR ‘EVO’ concept,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR.
“With over 30 derivatives specifically tailored for regional turboprop applications, we continue to enhance aircraft performance by building on the benefits of the exceptional PW127XT engine,” added Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
