Garmin and Scandinavian Avionics Develop ATR ADS-B Retrofit Solution

Garmin International and Scandinavian Avionics have developed a retrofit ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) solution for ATR 42 and 72 aircraft operators in Europe. The companies have received EASA approval of a supplemental type certificate (STC) covering all ATR models -500 and earlier that they say provides operators an economical solution with efficient installation and low downtime.

“Knowing the importance of short downtime for these aircraft, we have designed a kit solution that will enable a very short installation time—and this is offered at a very competitive price,” says Michael Truelsen, CEO, Scandinavian Avionics. He adds that the company has “great expectations for the market response” to the solution, which is its second ADS-B solution developed with Garmin for the airline segment.

The ADS-B upgrade includes Garmin’s GPS 3000 ADS-B compliant position source and GTX 3000 ADS-B Out transponders, as well as a complete installation kit comprised of a pre-wired shelf harness, fully manufactured brackets and other installation materials provided by Scandinavian Avionics. According to the companies, the solution was designed to easily interface to existing equipment on board the aircraft.

In Europe, operators of aircraft with a first certificate of airworthiness issued before Dec. 7, 2020, need to comply with ADS-B out requirements by June 7, 2023.

Danish charter airline Air Alsie is the first customer to install the solution on their fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft. According to Aviation Week’s Fleet and MRO Forecast, there are currently 247 ATR 42 and 978 ATR 72 aircraft in service. By 2030, the forecast predicts 175 ATR 42s and 1,276 ATR 72s in service.

Rheinland Air Service, a German MRO specializing in ATR aircraft maintenance, says it expects demand for ATR aircraft to recover despite the number of aircraft currently parked. It says demand for ATR maintenance services is particularly strong in Europe.