ATR (Avions de transport régional or Aerei da Trasporto Regionale) is a Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Blagnac, France. It was formed in 1981 as a joint venture between Aérospatiale of France (now Airbus) and Aeritalia (now Leonardo S.p.A.) of Italy.
ATR specializes in regional turboprop aircraft. Their aircraft are renowned for their fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, and ability to operate from shorter runways, making them ideal for regional routes and connecting smaller communities.
Here are the two main aircraft types they produce:
- ATR 42: This is the smaller model, typically seating around 40-50 passengers. The "42" in its name originally referred to its standard seating capacity.
- ATR 72: This is the stretched version of the ATR 42, usually seating 60-78 passengers. The "72" similarly refers to its seating capacity.
Both models share common characteristics:
- Twin-turboprop engines: They are powered by two turboprop engines, which are known for their fuel efficiency on shorter flights compared to jet engines.
- High-wing design: This design provides good ground clearance for the engines and propellers and offers passengers a good view.
- Excellent short-field performance: ATR aircraft are well-suited for operations into airports with shorter runways, which is a major advantage for regional connectivity.
- Modern avionics: Over the years, ATR has continuously updated its cockpit and systems, offering modern navigation and flight management capabilities.
ATR aircraft are widely used by regional airlines globally for their economic performance and suitability for various operating environments.
