12/03/1985: ATR-42 Enters Service With Air Littoral

DALLAS - Today, in 1985, The first ATR 42-300 was delivered to its Montpellier, France-based launch customer Air Littoral (FU).

The French-Italian plane maker 'ATR' set about designing a competitor to the British Aerospace HS.748 and ATP; as well as Fokker's F27 and F50 in 1981. The prototype ATR 42 (F-WEGA) took to the skies for the first time on August 16, 1984.

Air Littoral 

Launch customer FU commenced operations on May 23, 1972, with a flight between Nice (NCE), Montpellier (MPL), and Perpignan (PGF). In 1996 the airline created a Nice-based subsidiary known as Air Littoral Riviera. 

As the carrier expanded, it formed several partnerships with other airlines. As well as a long-standing agreement with Air France (AF), it became a Lufthansa (LH) partner in June 1997. The SAirGroup owner, Swissair (SR), took a 44% stake in the carrier in September 1998.

Talks began in May 2000 of a merger between AOM (IW), Air Liberté (IJ) and Air Littoral, but fell through before any progress was made. 

Financial troubles plagued the airlines for many years. In July 2001, FU went through a complete restructuring that cut routes, staff, and aircraft. Sadly, more was needed to save the airline, which the French eventually grounded in February 2004.

ATR-42-500

FU's initial -300s models were eventually replaced by the -500 series following a 15-aircraft order placed in 1996. 

The -500 variant was announced in June 1993. Powered by new Pratt & Whitney PW127 engines with six-blade propellers, it had improved hot and high performance and an upgraded passenger cabin.

Featured Image: Pictured in the airline's original livery is ATR 42-300 (F-GEGD).