December 9, 2015 – The high-density seating configuration option for the ATR 72-600 aircraft has received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Using the existing airframe, the new high-density configuration option is achieved by optimizing the pitch and adjusting the forward cargo compartment, bringing the aircraft’s maximum capacity from 74 to 78 seats. The option will also be available as a retrofit.
Cebu Pacific was the first airline to choose the high-density seating, in a deal for 16 new ATR 72-600s announced at the Paris Airshow earlier this year. The first aircraft in the 78-seat layout will enter commercial service in August 2016. The additional seats are very valuable for airlines operating in the regions where traffic grows rapidly and demand is highly sensitive to fare.
“The demand comes from airlines, especially in the Southeast Asian market, requesting to further optimize the cabin space and to increase the number of available seats for regional flights,” stated Thierry Casale, ATR’s SVP of programs.”
