ATR-72

The ATR 72 extended the ATR 42 concept into a larger regional turboprop. ATR's delivery milestone described more than 30 years of ATR 72 popularity and continuing development, while reference sources identify it as a twin-turboprop short-haul airliner. The aircraft answered airline demand for more seats while preserving the operating economics that made the smaller ATR 42 attractive.

The ATR 72 retains the family traits of high wing, twin turboprops, and regional-airport compatibility, but with a longer fuselage and higher passenger capacity. This makes it especially competitive where sectors are short and fuel efficiency matters more than cruise speed. The platform has also supported freighter and special-mission variants, showing the flexibility of a proven regional airframe.

In service, the ATR 72 became the dominant product of the ATR family, with a large global fleet and extensive airline support network. Its military relevance comes from derivative use: governments can adapt the airframe for maritime patrol, surveillance, cargo, or transport. The type's importance is therefore both commercial and strategic, providing a low-cost base for missions that do not require a jet aircraft.