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ATR 72

The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner developed by ATR, the French-Italian aircraft manufacturer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner developed by ATR, a French-Italian joint venture. It is a stretched version of the ATR 42, designed for short-haul routes with seating for up to 78 passengers. The type entered service in 1989 and has been produced in multiple variants.

Design and development

The ATR 72 was developed as a stretched variant of the ATR 42 to increase seating capacity while retaining regional-aircraft economics. It is built by ATR, the French-Italian joint venture formed by Airbus and Leonardo.

Variants

The ATR 72 family includes earlier and later production versions such as the -200, -500, and -600 series. Later models introduced updated engines and improved performance, especially in hot-and-high operating conditions.

Operational use

The aircraft is widely used by regional airlines on short-haul routes. In addition to passenger service, some ATR 72 aircraft have been configured for cargo, corporate transport, and maritime patrol duties.

Performance and capacity

Published specifications vary by variant and cabin layout, but the ATR 72 is generally listed with a crew of two and passenger seating up to 78. Typical cruise speeds are in the high-200-knot range.

Key facts

  • The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used mainly for regional passenger service.
  • It is a stretched development of the ATR 42 with greater seating capacity.
  • The aircraft can carry up to 78 passengers in a single-class layout.
  • ATR 72 variants use Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100-series engines.
  • The type entered service in 1989 and has remained in production in updated forms.
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Canadian context

The ATR 72 uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100-series engines, linking the aircraft to a major Canadian aerospace manufacturer.[1]

Frequently asked questions

What is the ATR 72?
The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner built by ATR for short-haul passenger routes.
How many passengers can the ATR 72 carry?
Depending on the layout, the ATR 72 can seat up to 78 passengers in a single-class configuration.
What is the ATR 72 based on?
It is a stretched version of the ATR 42.
When did the ATR 72 enter service?
The ATR 72 entered service in 1989.
Who makes the ATR 72?
The ATR 72 is made by ATR, a French-Italian aircraft manufacturer.
What engines does the ATR 72 use?
It uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100-series turboprop engines; specific engine models vary by variant.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATR_72
    Supports: General description as a turboprop regional airliner, stretched from the ATR 42, passenger capacity, engine family, and entry into service.
  2. ATR — https://www.atr-aircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Factsheets_-_ATR_72-600.pdf
    Supports: ATR 72-600 seating capacity of 72 seats and official manufacturer specifications.
  3. ATR — https://www.atr-aircraft.com/regional-mobility/regional-aircraft/atr-72-600/
    Supports: ATR 72-600 marketed seating up to 78 passengers.
  4. Aircraft Commerce — https://www.aircraft-commerce.com/wp-content/uploads/aircraft-commerce-docs1/Aircraft%20guides/ATR%2042%2072/ISSUE49_ATR42%2072SPECS.pdf
    Supports: ATR 42/72 relationship, seating ranges, cruise speed ranges, and variant specifications.
  5. RocketRoute — https://www.rocketroute.com/aircraft/atr-72-212
    Supports: ATR 72 description, derived-from ATR 42, crew, passenger count, engine variant, and operational roles.