The ATR 42-300 was one of the earliest production versions of the ATR 42, introduced in the mid-1980s. It typically seats about 40–46 passengers and is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW120 engines. Designed for short regional routes, it helped establish ATR as a key player in turboprop aviation. Today, most aircraft of this type have been retired or converted for cargo use.The ATR 42-300 is one of the earliest production variants of the ATR family and played a major role in establishing ATR as a leading manufacturer of regional turboprop aircraft. It entered service in 1985 and was designed to serve short-haul regional routes with low operating costs. The aircraft typically seats between 40 and 46 passengers in a standard single-class configuration, making it ideal for low-demand routes between small cities and regional hubs.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 turboprop engines, the ATR 42-300 cruises at around 250 knots (about 460 km/h) and has a range of roughly 1,500 km, depending on payload and conditions. Its high-mounted wing and robust landing gear allow it to operate from short and semi-prepared runways, which is important for remote or underdeveloped airports.
The cockpit of the -300 uses mostly analog instruments typical of 1980s aircraft, and while reliable, it lacks the advanced avionics found in later variants. Over time, as technology improved and more efficient models became available, many ATR 42-300s were retired from passenger service. However, several continue to fly in cargo roles or with smaller operators due to their strong airframe and low ownership cost.