ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8-300
The ARJ21-700 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) beside the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the ARJ21-700 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8-300: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 178% more range (ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm; Dash 8-300: 800 nm).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 47% more cruise speed (ARJ21-700: 422 kt; Dash 8-300: 287 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 61% more passenger capacity (ARJ21-700: 90 seats; Dash 8-300: 56 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 27 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 43,000 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 Dash 8-300, at 800 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 Dash 8-300'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 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
ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8-300: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8-300?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the ARJ21-700 or Dash 8-300 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 56 on the Dash 8-300.
Which is faster, the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8-300?
The ARJ21-700 cruises faster, at 422 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8-300?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8-300 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8-300?
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 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 ARJ21-700 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.