ATR 42-600 vs ARJ21-700
The ARJ21-700 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 42-600 (introduced 2012) against the COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) 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 range, where the ARJ21-700 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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ATR 42-600 vs ARJ21-700: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 147% more range (ATR 42-600: 900 nm; ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 41% more cruise speed (ATR 42-600: 300 kt; ARJ21-700: 422 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 80% more passenger capacity (ATR 42-600: 50 seats; ARJ21-700: 90 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2012 for the ATR 42-600), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (89,947 lbs versus 41,226 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The ARJ21-700 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,225 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The ATR 42-600, at 900 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the ATR 42-600's range, the ARJ21-700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 42-600 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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ATR 42-600 vs ARJ21-700: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 42-600 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 900 nm for the ATR 42-600.
Does the ATR 42-600 or ARJ21-700 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 50 on the ATR 42-600.
Which is faster, the ATR 42-600 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 cruises faster, at 422 kt versus 300 kt for the ATR 42-600.
Which is newer, the ATR 42-600 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2012 for the ATR 42-600.
Is the ATR 42-600 or the ARJ21-700 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 41,226 lbs for the ATR 42-600.
Should I buy the ATR 42-600 or the ARJ21-700?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 42-600 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the ATR 42-600 vs ARJ21-700?
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.