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 72 was developed by extending the ATR 42 fuselage by 4.5 meters providing further seating capacity for up to 68 passengers. The ATR 72 retains the same cabin, cockpit and aircraft systems characteristics of basic ATR 42. The ATR 72-200 entered service on 27 October 1989 powered by two P&W Canada PW124B turboprops each rated at 2,400-shp. The ATR 72-210 was introduced in 1992 featuring hot-and-high and short airfield performance; and PW127 engines rated at 2,750-shp each.
The ATR 72-500, originally known as the ATR 72-210A, entered service in 1997 with a new 568F six-blade propeller, new cabin interior and PW127F engines rated at 2,750-hp for improved performance. The new cabin offers more space, lower noise levels and enhanced comfort for up to 74 passengers. It can take off from a runway 3,580-ft (1,091 meters) in length carrying a full load of passengers and baggage over a route of 350 miles (575 km). The ATR 72 can be converted into freighter or corporate jet. A further version is available for military customers asking anti-submarine warfare capability being called the ATR 72 ASW.
In April 1997, American Eagle, the regional carrier of American Airlines, placed an order for 12 ATR 72-210A airplanes. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 1997 and complete in 1998. The airplanes were valued at $200 million. In May 1998, Chinese carrier Xinjiang Airlines through CASC signed a purchase order for 10 ATR 72-210As with a further five aircraft on option. The purchase was valued at $80 million and deliveries will be complete between 1997 and 1998. In June 1997, Air Dolomiti signed a contract for three ATR 72-210A aircraft and one ATR 42-500.
In October 1997, Air UK purchased four ATR 72-200s with a further aircraft as option. Iran Asseman ordered two ATR 72-210As worth $40 million. In December 1997, Venezuelan carrier IAACA purchased one ATR 72-210 worth $18 million. In July 1998, Israeli carrier Arkia signed a purchase agreement for three ATR 72-500s valued at $50 million to be delivered beginning in 1998 through 1999. In September 1998, Danish carrier Cimber Air signed an agreement for two firm order and two options ATR 72-500s as part of a fleet renewal program. In November 1998, Air New Zealand signed an agreement to acquire seven ATR 72-500s to be delivered beginning in 1999 through 2000.
In February 1999, Spanish carrier Air Nostrum signed a purchase order for five ATR 72-500s with deliveries to be completed by 2000. In March 1999, Alitatia Express, an Alitalia franchise, purcahsed three ATR 72-500s valued at $50 million. In June 1999, Indian private carrier Jet Airways placed an order for five ATR 72-500s with deliveries beginning in 1999 through 2000. Aéropostale of France ordered one ATR 72 cargo aircraft during June 1999. In September 1999, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Airlines, placed a further order for seven ATR 72-210 airplanes. IN November 1999, Air Austral placed an order for one ATR 72-500 to be delivered in 2000.
In September 2000, Thai carrier Bangkok Airways placed an order to ATR for six ATR 72-500s with further six airplanes on option. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 2001 and continuing through 2003. In December 2000, Eurowings and ATR signed an agreement on six new ATR 72-500s. In February 2001, Vietnam Airlines ordered three ATR 72-500s with deliveries scheduled for taking place between 2001 and 2002. In March 2001, Khalifa Airways signed an agreement for 10 ATR 72-500 airplanes. In May 2001, South African Safair aircraft leasing company signed an agreement with ATR on three ATR 72-500s to be delivered during 2001. In October 2001, Air Mauritius placed an order for one ATR 72-500. IN December 2001, Air Dolomiti placed an order for three ATR 72-500s to be delivered between 2002 and 2003.
In February 2002, Air Kiribati ordered one ATR 72-200. Spain's Islas Airways ordered two ATR 72-200s. In March 2002, Air Tahiti placed an order for one ATR 72-500. IN July 2002, Alitalia Express ordered three ATR 72-500s with deliveries to take place between 2002 and 2003; Air New Zealand also purchased one additional ATR 72-500; Bangkok Airways placed an order for three ATR 72-500s. In November 2003, Air Algerie ordered six ATR 72-500s with deliveries beginning in 2003 and ending in 2004.
In January 2004, ATR and Binter Canarias signed an agreement on six ATR 72-500 to be delivered in the 2004/2005 timeframe. In May 2005, 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 July 2004, Air New Zealand ordered one ATR 72-500.
In January 2005, ATR and India's low-fare carrier Air Deccan signed an agreement for the delivery of 30 new generation ATR 72-500s plus six second-hand aircraft from the ATR 42/72 family. During the Paris Air Show June 2005, Air Caledonie made public its intention to purchase three ATR 72-500 airplanes. French carrier CCM Airlines signed a contract for the purchase of six ATR 72-500s valued at $100 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.
Spanish carrier Binter Canarias signed a purchase order for one new ATR 72-500 airplane on 13 October 2005. The 72-seat aircraft was intended to start replacing Binter's ATR 72-210 fleet. Aircraft delivery was scheduled for mid-2006. French Polynesia's Air Tahiti also placed an order for one ATR 72-500 plus another as option October 13th. Air Tahiti was expected to receive the ATR 72 aircraft in June 2008.
India's carrier Kingfisher placed an order for 20 ATR 72-500 turboprop airplanes with option on additional 15 at Dubai Air Show on November 20, 2005. Aircraft deliveries were scheduled to run between March 2006 through August 2008. The firm order aircraft were valued at $350 million.
On 19 February 2006 Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines executed
a contract option for 15 ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft from a previous contract signed with ATR in November 2005. This new contract also included options on 20 additional aircraft which would be delivered beginning in 2007. The firm order airplanes were valued at $270 million.
On May 15, 2006, Irish carrier Aer Arann signed a contract with ATR for the purchase of 10 ATR72-500 airplanes valued at $180 million. Deliveries were scheduled as follows: two aircraft in 2007, five in 2008 and three in 2009.
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 19 July 2006, Finnish carrier Finncomm Airlines exercised three ATR 72-500 options valued at $54 million at Farnborough Air Show. Deliveries were scheduled to run between 2008 and 2009.
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 28 September 2006, ATR announced that NAYSA regional operator based at the Canary Islands, Spain, was ordering four ATR 72-500 turboprops valued at $71 million at list prices. These aircraft were scheduled for delivery between 2008 and 2009 equipped with the newest Elegance cabin as well as upgraded avionics.
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 74
Dimensions: Height 7.6 m, Length 27.2 m, Wingspan 27.1 m
Weights: Max Weight 22,500 kg (49,603 lb), Min Weight 12,950 kg (28,549 lb), Payload 7,350 kg (16,204 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 3,050 m (10,007 ft), Cruise Speed 142 mps (511 kph), Min Range 575 km (310 nm)
Algeria
Aircraft ordered by Air Algerie (4 ATR 72-500)
Azerbaijan / 4 
Ordered by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) four ATR 72-500s.
Botswana
Brazil / 9 
Ordered by TRIP Linhas Aereas (7); TOTAL (2 ATR 72-500)
Burma
Cambodia
Cape Verde / 5 
China
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
Aircraft ordered by Finncomm Airlines (12)
France
French Polynesia
Aircraft ordered by Air Tahiti (9)
Germany
Guernsey / 5 
Aircraft ordered by Aurigny Air (2 ATR 72-500s and 3 ATR 72-200s)
India
Aircraft ordered by Jet Airways (7 ATR 72-500s)
Indonesia / 25 
Aircraft ordered by Batavia Air (10); Lion Air/Wings Air (15)
Iran
Ireland / 12 
Aircraft ordered by Aer Arann (10 ATR 72-500); AIR Ltd (2)
Israel
Italy
Kenya / 10 
Kiribati
Laos
Aircraft ordered by Laos Airlines (one ATR 72-500)
Madagascar
Malaysia / 44 
Aircraft ordered by Berjaya Air (4 ATR 72-500); Malaysia Airlines (20 of which 10 operated by MASWings); Firefly (10); MASWings (10)
Mauritius
Mexico / 2 
Aircraft ordered by Aeromar (2)
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nigeria / 4 
Aircraft ordered by Afrijet Airlines (4 ATR 72-500s)
Philippines / 10 
Aircraft ordered by Cebu Pacific (10 ATR 72-500)
Romania / 2 
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sold to NAYSA; Islas Airways (8 ATR 72-500); Swiftair (3)
Sweden / 2 
Switzerland
Taiwan / 2 
Tanzania / 5 
Thailand
Aircraft ordered by Bangkok Airways (8); Royal Thai Air Force (4)
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vanuatu / 1 
Venezuela
Vietnam / 23 
Aircraft ordered by Vietnam Airlines (7 ATR 72-200s, 16 ATR 72-500s)