1900D vs ARJ21-700
The ARJ21-700 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation 1900D (introduced 1991) against the COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) 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 range, where the ARJ21-700 has the advantage. 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.
1900D vs ARJ21-700: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 486% more range (1900D: 380 nm; ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 51% more cruise speed (1900D: 280 kt; ARJ21-700: 422 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 374% more passenger capacity (1900D: 19 seats; ARJ21-700: 90 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1991 for the 1900D), a gap of 25 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 17,120 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 1900D, at 380 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 1900D'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 1900D 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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1900D vs ARJ21-700: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 1900D or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 380 nm for the 1900D.
Does the 1900D or ARJ21-700 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 19 on the 1900D.
Which is faster, the 1900D or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 cruises faster, at 422 kt versus 280 kt for the 1900D.
Which is newer, the 1900D or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1991 for the 1900D.
Is the 1900D or the ARJ21-700 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 17,120 lbs for the 1900D.
Should I buy the 1900D 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 1900D 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 1900D 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.