Dash 8-300 vs L-410 NG
The Dash 8-300 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) and the Aircraft Industries (LET) L-410 NG (introduced 2018) 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 cabin capacity, where the Dash 8-300 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.
Dash 8-300 vs L-410 NG: the key differences
- The Dash 8-300 and L-410 NG are evenly matched on range, both at 800 nm.
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 30% more cruise speed (Dash 8-300: 287 kt; L-410 NG: 220 kt).
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 195% more passenger capacity (Dash 8-300: 56 seats; L-410 NG: 19 seats).
- The L-410 NG is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 29 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Dash 8-300 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (43,000 lbs versus 15,873 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 Dash 8-300 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 Dash 8-300 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The L-410 NG 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
Dash 8-300 vs L-410 NG: FAQs
Does the Dash 8-300 or L-410 NG seat more passengers?
The Dash 8-300 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 56 seats, compared with 19 on the L-410 NG.
Which is faster, the Dash 8-300 or the L-410 NG?
The Dash 8-300 cruises faster, at 287 kt versus 220 kt for the L-410 NG.
Which is newer, the Dash 8-300 or the L-410 NG?
The L-410 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the Dash 8-300 or the L-410 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8-300 is the larger aircraft — 43,000 lbs versus 15,873 lbs for the L-410 NG.
Should I buy the Dash 8-300 or the L-410 NG?
On published specifications the Dash 8-300 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The L-410 NG 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 Dash 8-300 vs L-410 NG?
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.