ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8-300
The ATR 42-600 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 42-600 (introduced 2012) against the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) 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 ATR 42-600 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8-300: the key differences
- The ATR 42-600 delivers 13% more range (ATR 42-600: 900 nm; Dash 8-300: 800 nm).
- The ATR 42-600 delivers 5% more cruise speed (ATR 42-600: 300 kt; Dash 8-300: 287 kt).
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 12% more passenger capacity (ATR 42-600: 50 seats; Dash 8-300: 56 seats).
- The ATR 42-600 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 23 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Dash 8-300 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (43,000 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 Dash 8-300 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 Dash 8-300 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.
More comparisons
ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8-300: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8-300?
The ATR 42-600 has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the ATR 42-600 or Dash 8-300 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8-300 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 56 seats, compared with 50 on the ATR 42-600.
Which is faster, the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8-300?
The ATR 42-600 cruises faster, at 300 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8-300?
The ATR 42-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8-300 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8-300 is the larger aircraft — 43,000 lbs versus 41,226 lbs for the ATR 42-600.
Should I buy the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8-300?
Choose the ATR 42-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8-300 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 Dash 8-300?
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.