ATR will stop development of its ATR 42-600S variant optimised for short take-off and landing (STOL) operations, allowing it to give more focus on breaking into emerging markets, including North America. The manufacturer says that the decision came after a review of market conditions and the current shortages in its supply chain. It notes that the ATR 42-600S is now facing a "reduced addressable market" as several runways in Southeast Asia and other key markets for the variant are being extended, reducing the need for STOL performance. "While this reduces the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S, it means that our current product line can operate at its full capacity," the OEM states. ATR launched the 'S' programme in 2019 which is based on the standard 50-seat ATR 42-600 but modified with a larger rudder, an option to symmetrically deploy spoilers during landing, and an autobrake system to ensure full braking immediately after touching down. Data shows that the ATR 42-600S amassed orders for 16 units from Toki Air, Abelo, PNG Air and Air Tahiti, plus letters of intent for another 17 from Feel Air Holdings and an unannounced customer. Chief executive Nathalie Tarnaud Laude says that the decision to halt the programme "reflects our dedication to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability". "As part of this commitment, we have identified a series of product improvements which aim at further reducing the costs of operations and increasing the availability of our aircraft. These improvements directly reflect the needs and insight shared with our customers. To achieve these goals, we are working closely with our key suppliers and have developed comprehensive action plans to drive progress on these enhancements." The manufacturer says that the end of the STOL programme will allow it to move its efforts towards enhancing its current product lineup and address areas of emerging market demand. "This includes further breaking into North America, where the manufacturer is looking to replace ageing fleets of regional jets and boost point-to-point regional connections," ATR adds. Earlier this month Canadian operator Rise Air became the North American launch customer for the -600 series with an order for three ATR 72-600s.

Iberia is set to operate on 14 November the first commercial transatlantic Airbus A321XLR flight, between Madrid and Boston. The service is scheduled to depart the Spanish capital at 12:35pm local time and have a flight time of 8.45h, the airline says. Iberia completed a number of European flights to Paris and Stockholm since it took delivery of the first A321XLR on 30 October, it notes. Parent IAG opted for CFM International Leap-1A engines on incoming A321XLRs. Iberia has another seven A321XLRs on order and its sibling Aer Lingus five. Airbus in June said that the alternative Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-powered variant would be certificated during the fourth quarter of 2024. Iberia has configured its A321XLR cabin with 14 Thompson Aero Seating Vantage Solo business and 168 Recaro CL3810 economy seats. As additional galley equipment for the single aisle, the airline lists food heaters and "an espresso machine capable of preparing a cup of coffee in less than 35 seconds". The carrier previously revealed Washington DC as a second destination for its A321XLR fleet and says the variant will be used for routes "with a special focus on America". Its remaining seven on-order jets will be delivered in coming months, it says. "We are very proud to be the first airline in the world to start flights with the A321XLR," states Iberia president Marco Sansavini. "This new aircraft model allows us to strengthen our network and plan to fly to new destinations in an efficient and comfortable way for all our customers," he adds.

Air India formally completed its merger with Vistara on 12 November, effectively leaving India with a single full-service international carrier. The Vistara merger follows the merger in October of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with Air India Express, which consolidates all the Tata group carriers under the Air India Group. Singapore Airlines, which held a 49% stake in Vistara, now holds a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India Group. "The merger of Air India and Vistara completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of the Air India Group's post-privatisation transformation journey, and is thus a significant milestone," says chief executive Campbell Wilson. "Over the past two years, teams across the four airlines have worked closely together and with other stakeholders to ensure that the transition of people, assets, operations and, most importantly, customers, was as seamless as possible."