ATR 72-500 vs CRJ900
The CRJ900 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) against the Bombardier Aviation CRJ900 (introduced 2003) 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 CRJ900 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 72-500 vs CRJ900: the key differences
- The CRJ900 delivers 88% more range (ATR 72-500: 825 nm; CRJ900: 1,550 nm).
- The CRJ900 delivers 70% more cruise speed (ATR 72-500: 276 kt; CRJ900: 470 kt).
- The CRJ900 delivers 22% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-500: 74 seats; CRJ900: 90 seats).
- The CRJ900 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The CRJ900 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (84,500 lbs versus 50,265 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The CRJ900 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,550 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The ATR 72-500, at 825 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 72-500's range, the CRJ900's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the CRJ900 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 72-500 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 CRJ900: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-500 or the CRJ900?
The CRJ900 has the longer published range — 1,550 nm versus 825 nm for the ATR 72-500.
Does the ATR 72-500 or CRJ900 seat more passengers?
The CRJ900 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 74 on the ATR 72-500.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-500 or the CRJ900?
The CRJ900 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 276 kt for the ATR 72-500.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-500 or the CRJ900?
The CRJ900 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500.
Is the ATR 72-500 or the CRJ900 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ900 is the larger aircraft — 84,500 lbs versus 50,265 lbs for the ATR 72-500.
Should I buy the ATR 72-500 or the CRJ900?
On published specifications the CRJ900 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 72-500 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 CRJ900?
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.