An ATR 42 of the Welsh airline Air Wales

An ATR 72 of the Irish Airline Aer Arann

The Italian-French based aircraft manufacturer Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) was was formed in 1982, from the consortium formed by the Aérospatiale of France and Alenia Aeronautica of Italy companies.

The first of two ATR 42 prototypes made its maiden flight on 16th August 1984, French and Italian approval (certification) followed in September 1985 and the first revenue earning flight was in December of 1985.

The ATR 72 was announced at the 1985 Paris Air Show and launched in January of 1986. This aircraft has more powerful engines, greater fuel capacity and increased dimensions compared with the ATR 42.

Because the company is dedicated to building only prop liners, ATR planes do not form part of many major airline fleets. They are to be more typically found on such airlines as Air Caraibes, Binter Canarias and TransAsia. LOT Polish Airlines is one of the majors that do fly ATR planes.

In 2003, ATR announced it would try to get into the jet airplane industry.

ATR planes

• ATR 42
• ATR 72
• ATR 72-500