ATR 42

The ATR 42 is a twin-turboprop, short-haul regional airliner built in France and Italy by ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de transport régional). ATR models have their final assembly in Toulouse, and share resources and technology with Airbus. The name "42" comes from the aircraft's standard seating, which varies from 40 to 52. The aircraft serves as the basis for the larger ATR 72.

Design and development

The ATR 42–300 was announced in 1981, making its maiden flight on 16 August 1984; French and Italian certification followed in September 1985 and its first revenue flight was in December with Air Littoral of France. This initial version of the ATR 42 was in production until 1996. The next upgrade for the product was the ATR 42-320 (also produced until 1996); this variant differed in that it was equipped with the more-powerful PW-121 engines for improved performance. The ATR 42-300QC is a quick-change (convertible) freight/passenger version of the standard −300 series.

The current production version is the −500 series. It is a next-generation aircraft with new engines, new propellers, improved hot and high performance, increased weight capacity and an improved passenger cabin. The 50-seat ATR 42–500 was first certificated in July 1995.