ATR has been selected by the European Union's Clean Aviation to lead two initiatives to drive low-emission regional aviation. The aircraft OEM will be the first to fly a hybrid-electric aircraft by 2030, using an ATR 72-600.
ATR said this “breakthrough” will be achieved through various projects — two of which it will lead along with the support of the European Union.
ATR's ‘HERACLES’ (hybrid-electric regional aircraft concept for low emissions) will create a regional aircraft concept integrating hybrid-electric propulsion, high-performance batteries, and a thermal engine compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“This is more than a technological demonstration, it's a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation,” said ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud. “By flying the world's first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, we aim to further demonstrate that sustainability and connectivity can go hand in hand.”