ATR 72-500 vs ARJ21-700
The ARJ21-700 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) and the COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the ARJ21-700 has the advantage. undefined
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ATR 72-500 vs ARJ21-700: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 170% more range (ATR 72-500: 825 nm; ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 53% more cruise speed (ATR 72-500: 276 kt; ARJ21-700: 422 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 22% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-500: 74 seats; ARJ21-700: 90 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500), a gap of 19 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (89,947 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 ARJ21-700 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,225 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 ARJ21-700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 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 ARJ21-700: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-500 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 825 nm for the ATR 72-500.
Does the ATR 72-500 or ARJ21-700 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 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 ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 cruises faster, at 422 kt versus 276 kt for the ATR 72-500.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-500 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500.
Is the ATR 72-500 or the ARJ21-700 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 50,265 lbs for the ATR 72-500.
Should I buy the ATR 72-500 or the ARJ21-700?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 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 ARJ21-700?
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.