Aerospatiale / Alenia ATR-72

The ATR 42 and ATR 72 are a family of twin-turboprop short-haul regional airliners built in France by ATR (Avions de Transport Regional). The ATR 42 seats up to 60 passengers, while the ATR 72 seats 74 passengers. Both aircraft are operated by a 2 person crew.

The ATR 42 is the initial version and was announced in 1981, having its first flight August 16, 1984. The ATR 72 is the basic ATR 42 stretched by 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) and with modified wings. The ATR 72 was announced at the 1985 Paris Air Show and made its maiden flight on October 27, 1988. Exactly one year after that, on October 27 1989, commuter airline Kar Air of Finland became the first company to put the plane into service.