ATR to become first to fly first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030

Franco-Italian turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR has announced its selection by the EU-funded Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking to lead two major initiatives aimed at flying the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030. 

In a statement published on September 9, 2025, ATR said the projects will showcase hybrid-electric propulsion and advanced systems on regional aircraft, bringing ATR closer to its goal of the first hybrid-electric flight. 

By 2030, ATR said it aims to fly the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft using an ATR 72-600 as a test platform. 

“This is more than a technological demonstration, it’s a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO at ATR. “By flying the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, we aim to further demonstrate that sustainability and connectivity can go hand in hand.” 

The aircraft concept will be developed through ATR’s HERACLES project, integrating hybrid-electric propulsion, high-performance batteries, and a thermal engine that works with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  

These technologies will be flight-tested through the DEMETRA program using the same ATR 72-600 test bed. 

These efforts align with Clean Aviation’s Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft initiative, which envisions a next-generation regional aircraft concept with the capacity for approximately 50-100 passengers and a design range of up to 500 Nautical Miles (NM), typically operating on a mission of 250NM.  

This new regional aircraft concept aims for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions and should be suitable for 100% SAF. Clean Aviation is targeting the entry into service of next-generation aircraft by 2035. The post ATR to become first to fly first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030 appeared first on AeroTime.

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