ATR 72-600 vs Dash 8 Q400
The Dash 8 Q400 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The ATR ATR 72-600 (introduced 2009) and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) 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 Dash 8 Q400 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
ATR 72-600 vs Dash 8 Q400: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 89% more range (ATR 72-600: 825 nm; Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 31% more cruise speed (ATR 72-600: 275 kt; Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 15% more passenger capacity (ATR 72-600: 78 seats; Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats).
- The ATR 72-600 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (64,904 lbs versus 50,706 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Dash 8 Q400 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,556 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The ATR 72-600, 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 72-600's range, the Dash 8 Q400's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Dash 8 Q400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 72-600 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 72-600 vs Dash 8 Q400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 825 nm for the ATR 72-600.
Does the ATR 72-600 or Dash 8 Q400 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 78 on the ATR 72-600.
Which is faster, the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The Dash 8 Q400 cruises faster, at 360 kt versus 275 kt for the ATR 72-600.
Which is newer, the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The ATR 72-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8 Q400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft — 64,904 lbs versus 50,706 lbs for the ATR 72-600.
Should I buy the ATR 72-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
On published specifications the Dash 8 Q400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 72-600 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 Q400?
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.