The ATR 72-200 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner produced by the Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR. It was developed as a stretched version of the ATR 42-200 and was first flown in October 1988. The aircraft was intended to replace the ATR 42 in the regional airliner market, and was designed to seat up to 78 passengers in a single-class configuration.

The ATR 72-200 was developed in response to increased demand for larger capacity aircraft in the regional airliner market. The ATR 72-200 was designed to provide improved capacity and performance compared to the ATR 42, while keeping operating costs low. The aircraft has a wingspan of 26.2 meters, a length of 25.6 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 22,000 kilograms. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprop engines, each providing 2,600 shaft horsepower.

The ATR 72-200 was well received by the market, with the first production aircraft being delivered to Air Dolomiti in April 1989. To date, over 600 ATR 72-200 aircraft have been produced and have been used for both scheduled passenger services and for cargo operations. The aircraft is popular with regional airlines, and is widely used in Europe, North America, and Africa.

The ATR 72-200 has had a relatively good safety record during its service life, with no fatal accidents recorded. The aircraft has, however, experienced some issues with its engines, leading to several high-profile incidents involving ATR 72-200 aircraft. The most serious incident occurred in June 2011, when an engine failed in mid-air, resulting in the aircraft having to make an emergency landing.

The ATR 72-200 has also benefited from numerous innovations and technological advancements over its service life. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced cockpit avionics suite, which includes a Flight Management System, an Electronic Flight Instrument System, and an Autopilot System. The aircraft also features improved aerodynamic design, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.

Compared to other regional airliners, the ATR 72-200 is well suited for short-haul operations and offers improved performance and capacity in a cost-effective package. The aircraft is also well suited for cargo operations, and has been certified for the carriage of dangerous goods. Moreover, the aircraft features several advanced safety features, such as an Emergency Locator Transmitter and a Traffic Collision Avoidance System.

In summary, the ATR 72-200 has proven to be a highly successful regional airliner, offering a balance of performance, capacity, and cost-efficiency. The aircraft has experienced some issues with its engines, but has had a good safety record overall. The aircraft has also benefited from numerous technological advancements over its service life, making it an excellent choice for regional airlines.