Avions de Transport Regional was founded 1982 by Aerospatiale of France and Alenia of Italy to develop a twin-turboprop regional transport aircraft. The initial ATR 42 42/48-seat airliner or freighter was first flown in August 1984, with production deliveries from 1989. Followed by the larger ATR 72 for 66-74 passengers (first flown October 1988 and also delivered from 1989). Both also available in Maritime Patrol form.
All Aero 