ATR 72-500 vs 1900D
ATR 72-500 and 1900D are closely matched, each topping 2 of 7 metrics.
Put the ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) beside the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation 1900D (introduced 1991) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. 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 72-500 vs 1900D: the key differences
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 117% more range (ATR 72-500: 825 nm; 1900D: 380 nm).
- The 1900D delivers 1% more cruise speed (ATR 72-500: 276 kt; 1900D: 280 kt).
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 289% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-500: 74 seats; 1900D: 19 seats).
- The ATR 72-500 is the newer design (introduced 1997 versus 1991 for the 1900D), a gap of 6 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 17,120 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?
On published specifications the ATR 72-500 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 1900D 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 72-500 vs 1900D: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-500 or the 1900D?
The ATR 72-500 has the longer published range — 825 nm versus 380 nm for the 1900D.
Does the ATR 72-500 or 1900D seat more passengers?
The ATR 72-500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 74 seats, compared with 19 on the 1900D.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-500 or the 1900D?
The 1900D cruises faster, at 280 kt versus 276 kt for the ATR 72-500.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-500 or the 1900D?
The ATR 72-500 is the newer design, introduced in 1997 versus 1991 for the 1900D.
Is the ATR 72-500 or the 1900D the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 72-500 is the larger aircraft — 50,265 lbs versus 17,120 lbs for the 1900D.
Should I buy the ATR 72-500 or the 1900D?
On published specifications the ATR 72-500 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 1900D 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 72-500 vs 1900D?
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.