Description:
In the early 1980s Alenia Aeronautica of Italy, a Finmeccanica company, and EADS/Airbus France founded a joint venture company, ATR (Avions de Transport Régional/Regional Transport Airplanes), to compete in the regional market with a new family of twin-turboprop passenger aircraft. The ATR 42 model entered service in 1985 followed by the increased seating capacity ATR 72 in 1989 all together these aircraft cover the range of 40 to 70 seats.
The high-wing ATR 42/72 family of aircraft provides high degree of passenger comfort, operational flexibility, spare parts commonality, and low operating costs while delivering outstanding performance. In 1996, ATR launched the -500 series aircraft which marked the beginning of a new generation ATR 42/72 characterized for savings in terms of training, maintenance operations, spare parts supply and cross crew qualification. In addition, existing ATR 42/72 aircraft can be converted into freighters - ATR 42 F and ATR 72 F - with a cargo door at the front of the aircraft or an optional large cargo door.
As of July 2005, more than 739 ATR 42/72 aircraft have been ordered from 125 operators in 72 countries with around 680 airplanes already delivered. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 turboprop engine family is the primary motorization for the ATR 42/72 family with the latest variant the PW127 powering the newest ATR 72-500 aircraft. Wide use of composite in latest models has translated into reduced airframe weight and improved overall performance.
The ATR 42-300 made its first flight on 16 August 1984 and entered service on 9 December 1985. This first model was powered by two P&W Canada PW120 turboprops rated at 2,000-shp each and the the seating layout was of 46 seats. The ATR 42-320 model entered service in 1987. The second model was a variant of its predecessor powered by P&W Canada PW121 rated at 2,100-shp each. ATR also developed variants of the ATR 42 to perform corporate transport, maritime patrol missions (ATR 42 Surveyor) and in-flight inspection.
The newest ATR 42-500 was powered by PW127E turboprop engines rated at 2,400-shp each and outfitted with a new six-blade propellers for enhanced comfort. The cruise speed of the -500 model exceeds 300 knots. Its wide cabin for 50 passengers features a new design, is more comfortable with reduced interior noise levels and has better ergonomics than in previous models. The payload has been increased to 5,450 kg. The first ATR 42-500 aircraft entered service in 1995.
In January 1997, Air Exel Commuter, a partner of KLM Airlines, placed an order for three ATR 42-320 with deliveries expected to be complete by March 1997. In April 1997, Italy-based Air Dolomiti placed an order for two ATR 42-500s and took options on two additional aircraft. In June 1997, German carrier Eurowings placed an order for five ATR 42-500 airplanes. In June 1997, Air Dolomiti signed a contract for three ATR 72-210A aircraft and one ATR 42-500. Air Caledonie signed a contract for one ATR 42.
In September 1997, Romania's national carrier Tarom signed a contract with ATR for 9 ATR 42-500 airplanes. In December 1997, Mexicos' Aeromar selected two ATR 42-500s plus options on further four. The contract was valued at $90 million. In June 1998, Corporacion de la Aviation Cubana S.A. (CACSA) purchased four ATR 42-300s. In September 1998, Oman Air placed an order for two firm order plus four options ATR 42-500s valued at $90 million.
In June 1999, Eurowings placed a new order for five ATR 42-500s valued at $68 million. In 2000, Farnair Europe signed a purchase order for two ATR 42-320 freighters to be delivered in 2000. In September 2000, ACES Colombia placed an order for two new ATR 42-500s to be delivered beginning in 2000 through 2001. In June 2005, Air Dolomiti announced an order for three ATR 42-500s plus an option for another four airplanes. In November 2001, Canada-based First Air announced that it was acquiring four ATR 42-300 airplanes.
In January 2002, South African Solenta Aviation ordered two ATR 42-300 freighters. In February 2002, Intermediacion Aerea ordered one ATR 42-320. In July 2002, LOT Polish Airlines signed an agreement for five ATR 42-500 airplanes. In December 2002, Egyptair selected the ATR 42-500 for its domestic routes. In June 2003, ATR announced an agreement with Indian carrier Air Deccan for four ATR 42-320 airplanes; Air Tahiti placed an order for two ATR 42-500s. In December 2003, CSA Czech Airlines ordered seven ATR 42-500s deliveries beginning in 2004 through 2005.
In May 2004, Air Tahiti signed an agreement for one ATR 42-500 and four ATR 72-500s plus further two aircraft on option. Deliveries were scheduled to begin 2004 and complete by 2008. In March 2005, Russian carrier UT Air signed a purchase order for two ATR 42-300 airplanes. In June 2005 during the Paris Air Show, Finnish Commuter Airlines (Finncomm Airlines) signed a contract for eight ATR 42-500s plus another eight aircraft as option. The aircraft were valued at $250 million. Air Madagascar signed a contact for two ATR 72-500s, one ATR 42-500 and further two ATR -500 series as option. Deliveries were scheduled beginning in 2005 through mid-2006.
On 2 September 2005, Air Caledonie confirmed a purchase order announced during the Paris Air Show 2005 for one ATR42-500 and two ATR72-500s valued at $50 million. The aircraft were scheduled to be delivered between 2006 and 2007.
Pakistani carrier PIA signed an agreement valued at $100 million for the purchase of seven new 48-seat ATR 42-500 turboprop airplanes on 2 November 2005. Aircraft deliveries were scheduled to begin in May 2006 and complete during 2007.
On May 17, 2006, the government of Ecuatorial Guinea and ATR signed a deal for three turboprop aircraft. The deal included one ATR42-500 and two ATR72-500 valued at $50 million. Aircraft deliveries were expected to start in 2006 through 2008.
On 7 August 2006, Tanzanian carrier Precision Air Services and ATR signed a purchase contract on three ATR 42-500s and three ATR 72-500s. The six aircraft were valued at $97 million with deliveries expected to occur between 2008 and 2010.
On 10th October 2006, Cape Verde's carrier TACV (Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde) and ATR signed a contract for one ATR42-500 and two ATR72-500 worth $50 million and equipped with "Elegance Cabin". Deliveries were expected to take place in 2007 replacing TACV's fleet of three ATR42-300s.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 50
Dimensions: Height 7.6 m, Length 22.7 m, Wingspan 24.5 m
Weights: Max Weight 18,600 kg (41,005 lb), Min Weight 11,250 kg (24,802 lb), Payload 5,450 kg (12,015 lb)
Algeria
Australia
Aircraft operated by Jetcraft Aviation (2 ATR 42-300)
Azerbaijan / 2 
Ordered by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) two ATR 42-500s.
Brazil / 3 
Canada
Cape Verde / 4 
China
Colombia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
Germany
Greece
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Italy
Libya / 2 
Lithuania
Madagascar
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Netherlands
New Caledonia
Oman
Pakistan / 7 
Poland
Romania
Russia
Spain
Switzerland
Tanzania / 2 
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
Zimbabwe