Though the cabin was provided with heaters, oxygen provision and sound insulation it was large enough for the 4 crew and only four to 10 passengers.

The maximum speed was slightly better than the bomber 444 km/h (276 mph) at 4,000 m (13,000 ft) due to the absence of the gondola and hump machine gun positions.

First flying on 19 November 1937,[1] it entered into production for LATI, SABENA and other companies, but it had less success compared to the more economic and capable 18 seater Savoia-Marchetti S.73 even if had much improved performance.

When war broke out, the Italian aircraft were impressed into the Regia Aeronautica, and used in transport units.

Carrying 5,000 litres of fuel (50% more than standard) and 14 men and women including the parents of Claretta Petacci, Benito Mussolini’s mistress), the aircraft took off at 4:30 on 23 April 1945 from Milan.