The ATR-42 is a regional airliner built in France by the ATR company (Avions de Transport Régional). It made its maiden flight in the 1980s. Since then it has been brought and used by several well-known airlines. The name 42 comes from the aircraft's amount of seating, which varies from 40 to 50. The ATR-72 is a lengthened version of the ATR-42.