On This Day in 1988: ATR 72 Took Its First Flight, Marking a New Era in Regional Aviation

On October 27, 1988, the ATR 72 made its first flight from Toulouse, France. Developed by ATRl a joint venture between France’s Aérospatiale and Italy’s Aeritalia the aircraft was designed as a stretched, higher-capacity version of the ATR 42, tailored for regional routes.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW124 engines, the ATR 72 offered seating for up to 72 passengers and a range of approximately 1,800 kilometers. Its turboprop configuration delivered lower fuel burn compared to regional jets, making it an attractive option for airlines seeking cost-effective efficient operations.

The aircraft entered commercial service exactly one year later, on October 27, 1989, with Finnair. Since then, it has become one of the most widely used regional aircraft globally, with over 1,200 units delivered and operators spanning every continent.

The ATR 72 has evolved through multiple variants, including the ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600, featuring upgraded avionics, improved performance, and flexible configurations for passenger, cargo, and special mission roles.