Published on November 27th, 2025
All across the globe, regional airlines form an essential part of the transport system.
The larger the country, the more important it is to have an effective, cost-efficient regional aviation service. Indeed, in the US alone, there are 62 regional carriers, which is a considerable number.
However, despite being undoubtedly important to most travellers, especially for the convenience of not having to travel far to catch a flight, there is some questioning concerning the sustainability of these airports, claiming the short-distance flight are potentially as polluting as the long-distance one, if not more considering their frequency.
However, aircraft builders such as ATR offer a solution that efficiently addresses this issue, that is Turboprop aircraft.
Indeed, turboprop aircraft are an attractive option for airlines looking at reducing emissions. This can be thanks to the fact that turboprop engines use less fuel than regular jet ones, as they can fly at slower speeds and lower altitudes.
The latter point is relevant as on the contrary, jets need higher altitudes and lower temperatures to give their best performance, leading to a major air sucking and thus higher fuel consumption.
Another important advantage of turboprops lies in their ability to operate on shorter runways and in more demanding environment than the one jet aircraft can manage, making them perfect for regional aviation, where spaces for airports are not always as easily accessible as the ones of larger airports.
ATR’s Turboprop: towards a more responsible regional aviation
ATR is the world’s number one aircraft manufacturer in regional aviation, having delivered aircraft to over 200 airlines in more than 100 countries since its founding in 1981.
Since the beginning, Turboprop aircraft have represented the core technological advantage of the company, not only because, as we have just discussed, they are very adaptive to difficult situations when both flight and landing are concerned, but also for their lower environmental impact, an element which has been ATR’s focus since the beginning.
With this in mind, it is worth mentioning that ATR Turboprops consume up to 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 per trip compared to similar-size regional jets, which means a smaller environmental footprint.
Furthermore, ATR Aircraft are certified to operate with up to 50% SAF: this is the acronym for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Having already completed the first flight operated by a commercial aircraft in 2022 with 100% SAF in both engines, the goal of the company is to offer full SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030.
Last but not least in terms of sustainability, ATR is actively exploring its EVO concept, that is, exploring hybrid-electric propulsion, enhanced aerodynamics and full SAF capability.
The goal here is to reduce emissions further, optimizing costs at the same time. This pairs with the introduction of next-gen engines, enhancing environmental performance and a cost reduction.
