ATR 72-500 vs ATR 72-600
The ATR 72-600 leads, topping 2 of 7 compared metrics.
The ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) and the ATR ATR 72-600 (introduced 2009) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. 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 72-500 vs ATR 72-600: the key differences
- The ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 are evenly matched on range, both at 825 nm.
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 0% more cruise speed (ATR 72-500: 276 kt; ATR 72-600: 275 kt).
- The ATR 72-600 delivers 5% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-500: 74 seats; ATR 72-600: 78 seats).
- The ATR 72-600 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ATR 72-600 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (50,706 lbs versus 50,265 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 72-600 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 72-500 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 72-600 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ATR 72-500 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 72-500 vs ATR 72-600: FAQs
Does the ATR 72-500 or ATR 72-600 seat more passengers?
The ATR 72-600 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 78 seats, compared with 74 on the ATR 72-500.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-500 or the ATR 72-600?
The ATR 72-500 cruises faster, at 276 kt versus 275 kt for the ATR 72-600.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-500 or the ATR 72-600?
The ATR 72-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500.
Is the ATR 72-500 or the ATR 72-600 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 72-600 is the larger aircraft — 50,706 lbs versus 50,265 lbs for the ATR 72-500.
Should I buy the ATR 72-500 or the ATR 72-600?
Choose the ATR 72-500 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 72-600 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ATR 72-500 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 72-500 vs ATR 72-600?
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.