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 and some Airbus models have their final assembly in Toulouse, and share resources and technology. The name "42" comes from the aircraft's standard seating, which varies from 40 to 52. The aircraft was the basis for the 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 ATR42 was in production until 1996. The next upgrade for the product was the ATR42-320 (also produced until 1996); this variant differed in that it was equipped with the more-powerful PW-121 engines for improved performance. The ATR42-300QC is a quick-change (convertable) freight/passenger version of the standard...