ATR 72-600 vs Dash 8-300
The ATR 72-600 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 72-600 (introduced 2009) against the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) 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 72-600 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 72-600 vs Dash 8-300: the key differences
- The ATR 72-600 delivers 3% more range (ATR 72-600: 825 nm; Dash 8-300: 800 nm).
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 4% more cruise speed (ATR 72-600: 275 kt; Dash 8-300: 287 kt).
- The ATR 72-600 delivers 39% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-600: 78 seats; Dash 8-300: 56 seats).
- The ATR 72-600 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 20 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ATR 72-600 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (50,706 lbs versus 43,000 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 72-600 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 72-600 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8-300 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.
More comparisons
ATR 72-600 vs Dash 8-300: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8-300?
The ATR 72-600 has the longer published range — 825 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the ATR 72-600 or Dash 8-300 seat more passengers?
The ATR 72-600 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 78 seats, compared with 56 on the Dash 8-300.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8-300?
The Dash 8-300 cruises faster, at 287 kt versus 275 kt for the ATR 72-600.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8-300?
The ATR 72-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8-300 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 72-600 is the larger aircraft — 50,706 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8-300?
On published specifications the ATR 72-600 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8-300 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 72-600 vs Dash 8-300?
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.