ATR achieved today an important milestone with the start of the ground tests of the '-600 series' pre-series aircraft. The aircraft manufacturer started testing the right functioning of the electrical systems and the equipments of the New Generation Avionics Suite, while integrating the first software package provided by Thales. The achievement is in line with the original development plan scheduled for the '-600 series' ATRs. Commenting on this important milestone, Luigi Lombardi, ATR SVP Operations, declared: "We are proud of starting the ground test of the aircraft, which represent the result of a very strong work done in the last months, in partnership with Thales. We congratulate our teams, which are working around the clock."

He concluded: "Thanks to such efforts, we are complying with the development calendar of the '-600 series' ATRs."

Alain Boursier, Thales Vice President, in charge of Regional and Business Aircraft stated: "We are proud to have delivered the systems required to ATR and to have contributed to the success of the power-on of the ATR '-600 series' . The development of this new generation avionics suite represents a key improvement of the new aircraft. It will provide clear benefits to the airlines, by substantially improving the navigation capabilities and the performance of the aircraft, while reducing its operating and maintenance costs."

He added: "We are proud of our partnership with ATR and we will pursue our efforts for the success of the first flight."

The ATR '600 series' pre-series aircraft, configured as an ATR 72, will do its maiden flight in summer 2009. The entry into service of this very last member of the ATR aircraft family is scheduled for the beginning of 2011. The ATR –600 series The new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft will feature the very latest technological enhancements, including a totally renewed avionics suite, new PW 127M engines and additional 300 Kg on MTOW (Maximum Take-off weight and MZFW (Maximum Zero Fuel Weight), while building upon the well-known advantages of the current "-500 series" aircraft. This newest members of the ATR family of aircraft will feature the lowest fuel consumption per passenger and CO2 emissions, thus consolidating ATR as the "Green Player" of the regional aviation.