Japan prepares to welcome first ATRs

The European turboprop manufacturer ATR has obtained certification to start operations of the new ATR 72-600 in Japan. This certification, granted by the JCAB (Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau), marks the last step before the introduction of the first ATRs that will fly in the colors of a Japanese airline. The first ATR 72-600s will arrive in Japan in November 2013 and will sport the colors of the new regional airline Air Link. As part of the certification process, Japanese authorities have approved the operation of the new equipment of the new ATR -600 avionics, such as the MPC (multi-purpose computer), as well as new autopilot, communication, navigation aid and flight management systems. With the forthcoming introduction of the first ATR 72-600s into Japan, ATR is about to gain a foothold in one of the few countries in Asia where its aircraft had not operated so far. To date, there are almost 260 ATRs operating in the Asia-Pacific region, operated by 50 companies in 23 countries. The ATR 72-600 is also the 70-seat aircraft which has most recently obtained certification from the major international certification authorities, the EASA in Europe and the American FAA.