ATR 72-500 vs L-410 NG
The ATR 72-500 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) against the Aircraft Industries (LET) L-410 NG (introduced 2018) 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 cabin capacity, where the ATR 72-500 carries more passengers. 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 L-410 NG: the key differences
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 3% more range (ATR 72-500: 825 nm; L-410 NG: 800 nm).
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 25% more cruise speed (ATR 72-500: 276 kt; L-410 NG: 220 kt).
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 289% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-500: 74 seats; L-410 NG: 19 seats).
- The L-410 NG is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500), a gap of 21 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 15,873 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 L-410 NG 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 L-410 NG: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-500 or the L-410 NG?
The ATR 72-500 has the longer published range — 825 nm versus 800 nm for the L-410 NG.
Does the ATR 72-500 or L-410 NG seat more passengers?
The ATR 72-500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 74 seats, compared with 19 on the L-410 NG.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-500 or the L-410 NG?
The ATR 72-500 cruises faster, at 276 kt versus 220 kt for the L-410 NG.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-500 or the L-410 NG?
The L-410 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1997 for the ATR 72-500.
Is the ATR 72-500 or the L-410 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 72-500 is the larger aircraft — 50,265 lbs versus 15,873 lbs for the L-410 NG.
Should I buy the ATR 72-500 or the L-410 NG?
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 L-410 NG 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 L-410 NG?
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.