ATR 42

ATR 42
A HOP! ATR 42-500 on final approach
Role	Turboprop Regional airliner Type of aircraft
National origin	France/Italy
Manufacturer	ATR
First flight	16 August 1984
Introduction	3 December 1985
Status	In service
Primary users	FedEx Feeder Canadian North Silver Airways
Produced	1984–present
Number built	503[1]
Developed into	ATR 52 (unbuilt) ATR 72

The ATR 42 is a regional airliner produced by Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR, with final assembly in Toulouse, France. On 4 November 1981, the aircraft was launched with ATR, as a joint venture between French Aérospatiale (now part of Airbus) and Aeritalia (now Leonardo S.p.A.). The ATR 42-300 performed its maiden flight on 16 August 1984 and type certification was granted during September 1985. Launch customer Air Littoral operated its first revenue-earning flight in December of that year.

The high-wing airliner is powered by two turboprop engines, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120s. The number "42" in its name is derived from the aircraft's original standard seating capacity of 42 passengers. Later variants are upgraded with new avionics, a glass cockpit, and newer engine versions. The ATR 42 is the basis for the stretched ATR 72, introduced in October 1989.