ATR charts path for revitalising U.S. regional connectivity amid jet retirements

New data presented at the ATR Regional Air Connectivity Summit (RACS), held ahead of the RAA Leaders Conference, show that regional air travel in the United States has reached a turning point. ATR is responding with a solution tailored to the U.S. market, combining efficiency with an enhanced passenger experience to address changing expectations.

A study conducted by Georgia Tech highlights that the retirement of the ageing fleet of 50-seat regional jets (RJ50s) is leaving a significant gap in the U.S. air transport network. With around 300 aircraft expected to be withdrawn over the next decade, almost one in ten regional airports could lose all scheduled air services. This trend risks worsening regional isolation, lengthening travel times, and curtailing economic opportunities in underserved areas.