ATR 42-600 vs Saab 2000
The Saab 2000 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the ATR ATR 42-600 (introduced 2012) beside the Saab Saab 2000 (introduced 1994) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Saab 2000 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 Saab 2000: the key differences
- The Saab 2000 delivers 39% more range (ATR 42-600: 900 nm; Saab 2000: 1,250 nm).
- The Saab 2000 delivers 23% more cruise speed (ATR 42-600: 300 kt; Saab 2000: 370 kt).
- The Saab 2000 delivers 16% more passenger capacity (ATR 42-600: 50 seats; Saab 2000: 58 seats).
- The ATR 42-600 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1994 for the Saab 2000), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Saab 2000 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
The Saab 2000 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,250 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 Saab 2000's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Saab 2000 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.
More comparisons
ATR 42-600 vs Saab 2000: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 2000?
The Saab 2000 has the longer published range — 1,250 nm versus 900 nm for the ATR 42-600.
Does the ATR 42-600 or Saab 2000 seat more passengers?
The Saab 2000 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 58 seats, compared with 50 on the ATR 42-600.
Which is faster, the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 2000?
The Saab 2000 cruises faster, at 370 kt versus 300 kt for the ATR 42-600.
Which is newer, the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 2000?
The ATR 42-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1994 for the Saab 2000.
Is the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 2000 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Saab 2000 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 Saab 2000?
On published specifications the Saab 2000 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 Saab 2000?
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.