Summary
- ATR Highline offers five new premium interior options.
- It includes the multiclass layout and features a distinct first-class section, but it isn’t modifiable.
- FIA saw the debut of Premium Flex, which resembles a multiclass layout with business & economy class.
The development of Premium Flex dates back to before the Farnborough Airshow. Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) introduced a new ATR Highline product at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo. This offering was designed to provide higher flexibility and cater to a premium clientele for turboprop aircraft.
What does Highline look like
ATR Highline is a redesign of the interior of the turboprops – historically, the jets were fitted with an all-economy layout, and airlines could market the first few rows as a business class – much like intra-Europe business class consisted of maybe a blocked seat and a cold meal. With this innovation, there would be five different offerings.
Multiclass
Two distinct classes
The Multiclass cabin showcases a generously proportioned layout and interior, incorporating a distinct first-class section. In the United States, the 50-seat interior of our regional jets complies with ”scope clause regulations, reflecting the aging status of these aircraft.
Photo: ATR
The first section of the aircraft will be fitted with recliner seats in a 1-2 configuration, and the rest will have the narrower economy class seating featured by default in a 2-2 layout. The cabin is delivered as such and is not modular, so it can not be changed.
Related
Scope Clause: The Regional Airlines’ Capacity Cap Explained
A closer look at the reason why pilots’ unions limit regional jets to 76 seats.
Premium – Flex
As first seen at FIA24
Premium Flex is another form of premium heavy cabin layout. It is similar to a multiclass configuration with two classes—business class at the front and economy class at the rear. ATR showcased this new offering at the Farnborough Airshow, and one of our journalists had the opportunity to have a private viewing with the marketing team.
Upon boarding the ATR aircraft, passengers are directed through the rear entrance, a customary practice for these aircraft. The economy class section features the regional turboprop’s signature seating, which our attendants claim provides legroom equivalent to the standard A320. This area of the cabin remains essentially unchanged.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper | Simple Flying
Notably, the layout of the front row bears a striking resemblance to the seating arrangement found on JSX’s ERJ145/135 aircraft. Specifically, it features a 1-1 configuration reminiscent of “business class” seating. If you want more details, this is what ATR’s website says about this product:
“Our unique X Space Table concept allows operators to convert standard double seats into single premium seating quickly. Our Premium-Flex option is ideal for boutique airlines and charter operators.”
According to the representatives onboard, our journalist learned that the entire Highline product is currently undergoing beta testing. They also mentioned that the final version of the product may have a different appearance compared to what is currently being showcased at FIA.
Related
Maldivian Adds 4th ATR In Fleet Renewal Program
Travelers in the Maldives can now enjoy another ATR 42-600 that has joined Maldivian’s fleet of 25 aircraft.
Other innovations.
Simple Flying obtained a brochure showcasing several new aircraft layouts. Notably, the “Bespoke VIP” design suggests ATR’s potential to enter the private turboprop aircraft market.
Photo: ATR
While the salesperson at Farnborough neither confirmed nor denied this development, the new product was described as a “Corporate Turboprop.”
So, what do you think of the premium flex offering? Would you try it out when it rolls out near you? Let us know and start a conversation today