ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-500
The ATR 42-600 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 42-600 (introduced 2012) against the ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the ATR 72-500 carries more passengers. undefined
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ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-500: the key differences
- The ATR 42-600 delivers 9% more range (ATR 42-600: 900 nm; ATR 72-500: 825 nm).
- The ATR 42-600 delivers 9% more cruise speed (ATR 42-600: 300 kt; ATR 72-500: 276 kt).
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 48% more passenger capacity (ATR 42-600: 50 seats; ATR 72-500: 74 seats).
- The ATR 42-600 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ATR 72-500 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (50,265 lbs versus 41,226 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the ATR 72-500 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the ATR 42-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 72-500 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ATR 42-600 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 42-600 or the ATR 72-500?
The ATR 42-600 has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 825 nm for the ATR 72-500.
Does the ATR 42-600 or ATR 72-500 seat more passengers?
The ATR 72-500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 74 seats, compared with 50 on the ATR 42-600.
Which is faster, the ATR 42-600 or the ATR 72-500?
The ATR 42-600 cruises faster, at 300 kt versus 276 kt for the ATR 72-500.
Which is newer, the ATR 42-600 or the ATR 72-500?
The ATR 42-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500.
Is the ATR 42-600 or the ATR 72-500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 72-500 is the larger aircraft — 50,265 lbs versus 41,226 lbs for the ATR 42-600.
Should I buy the ATR 42-600 or the ATR 72-500?
Choose the ATR 42-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 72-500 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ATR 42-600 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-500?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.