ATR 72-500 vs Saab 340
The ATR 72-500 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the ATR ATR 72-500 (introduced 1997) beside the Saab Saab 340 (introduced 1984) 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 Saab 340: the key differences
- The Saab 340 delivers 13% more range (ATR 72-500: 825 nm; Saab 340: 935 nm).
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 10% more cruise speed (ATR 72-500: 276 kt; Saab 340: 250 kt).
- The ATR 72-500 delivers 111% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-500: 74 seats; Saab 340: 35 seats).
- The ATR 72-500 is the newer design (introduced 1997 versus 1984 for the Saab 340), a gap of 13 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 29,000 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?
Choose the Saab 340 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 72-500 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 Saab 340: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-500 or the Saab 340?
The Saab 340 has the longer published range — 935 nm versus 825 nm for the ATR 72-500.
Does the ATR 72-500 or Saab 340 seat more passengers?
The ATR 72-500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 74 seats, compared with 35 on the Saab 340.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-500 or the Saab 340?
The ATR 72-500 cruises faster, at 276 kt versus 250 kt for the Saab 340.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-500 or the Saab 340?
The ATR 72-500 is the newer design, introduced in 1997 versus 1984 for the Saab 340.
Is the ATR 72-500 or the Saab 340 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 72-500 is the larger aircraft — 50,265 lbs versus 29,000 lbs for the Saab 340.
Should I buy the ATR 72-500 or the Saab 340?
Choose the Saab 340 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 72-500 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 Saab 340?
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.