The Sikorsky S-42 could fly 150mph, had 32 seats, a 38,000 lb. max gross takeoff weight, and a 1200 mile range. The S-42 had improvements over the S-40 such as large wing flaps, automatic carburetors, propeller brakes and flush riveting. This aircraft broke all existing world records for load, speed, range and altitude.

The S-42 first flew on March 30, 1934 and the purchase price was $242,000. Pan American Airways System used this aircraft on Latin America routes, then on Transpacific & Transatlantic routes.