AMREF Air Ambulance Crash in Nairobi Kenya

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In a devastating turn of events, an AMREF Flying Doctors air ambulance , a Cessna Citation XLS with a registration 5Y-FDM , crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County just outside Nairobi killing six people and injuring others. The twin-engine medical jet departed from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:14–2:17 PM local time on Thursday, bound for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Merely three minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control. Citation XLS 5Y-FDM. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: “The plane started burning while in the air,” one resident recounted, while another said the aircraft “passed by our building shaking it,” before crashing into a house. The impact and ensuing blaze claimed the lives of all four people aboard and two individuals inside the home. Rescue teams, including those from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police, and aviation authorities, rushed to the scene.  AMREF ...
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ATR 72-600 Sets New Fuel Efficiency Benchmark with CS-CO₂ Certification

Toulouse, France – ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional turboprops, has reached a new milestone in sustainable aviation. The ATR 72-600 has become the first sub-100-seat aircraft to receive EASA’s CS-CO₂ certification, meeting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) latest CO₂ emission standards — a full three years ahead of the 2028 regulatory deadline.

This certification sets a new fuel efficiency standard in regional aviation and cements ATR’s position as a front-runner in low-emission aircraft design. The CS-CO₂ certification not only provides objective industry validation but also reinforces the growing importance of responsible innovation in aviation.



Ahead of Its Time

The ATR 72-600, equipped with the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engine introduced in 2021, surpasses ICAO’s most stringent “new type” CO₂ standard by over 20%. This performance makes it the only aircraft under 100 seats that qualifies for inclusion under the EU Taxonomy CO₂ efficiency criteria, which requires a minimum of 11% improvement over ICAO standards.

As environmental and sustainability reporting becomes more critical, especially under the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) set for 2028, this certification offers airlines and lessors a valuable benchmark. It allows them to align their fleets with international sustainability frameworks and showcase environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Regional Connectivity

The ATR 72-600’s certification highlights the enduring relevance of turboprop technology, which remains unmatched in fuel efficiency for short-haul regional routes. ATR estimates that more than 200 sub-100-seat aircraft currently flying in Europe do not meet these new efficiency standards. The ATR 72-600 provides a ready-made solution to reduce emissions without compromising essential regional connectivity.

ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, emphasized:

“This certification is not just a recognition of ATR’s commitment – it is proof that we are ahead of the curve. Sustainability is our pride, our competitive edge, and it’s deeply embedded in our DNA. We have won new orders specifically because of the sustainability credentials of our aircraft.”

Looking Ahead

ATR plans to extend its leadership further with CS-CO₂ certification for the ATR 42 expected by 2026, bolstering its portfolio of environmentally responsible aircraft. This move follows ATR’s success in achieving ICAO’s Chapter 14 noise certification for both the ATR 42 and 72 in 2022, another testament to the manufacturer’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

With its CS-CO₂ certification, the ATR 72-600 doesn’t just meet a regulatory requirement — it sets a new benchmark in fuel-efficient aviation. Airlines seeking to modernize their fleets can now rely on a proven, certified aircraft that combines efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility, all while preserving the connectivity vital to regional economies.


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