Opinion- Turboprop Times (Video)
With a highly dispersed population, a wide range of airport facility capabilities, lots of short-haul routes and cash-strapped passengers, Asia could be seen as a problem area for airline operators. But one class of aircraft – the turboprop – is proving that all these hurdles can be overcome to offer a viable business mode l. By Neelam Mathews AS ASIAN SKIES OPEN AND MORE secondary airports with short runways are developed, the need for propeller driven turboprops is being recognised. With low buy-in and maintenance costs, high usage rates, low running costs and small-airfield landing capability, turboprops look like the perfect solution to Asia’s dispersed yet large population. They offer convenience, tested technology and environmental acceptance, which all make them perfect for Asia’s scattered and airport-sparse environment. John Moore, Head of Sales for ATR Regional Aircraft asserts that turboprop aircraft are in ...