Dash 8 Q400 vs L-410 NG
The Dash 8 Q400 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) beside the Aircraft Industries (LET) L-410 NG (introduced 2018) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Dash 8 Q400 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 Q400 vs L-410 NG: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 95% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; L-410 NG: 800 nm).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 64% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; L-410 NG: 220 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 374% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; L-410 NG: 19 seats).
- The L-410 NG is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 18 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 15,873 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 L-410 NG, 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 L-410 NG'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 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 Q400 vs L-410 NG: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the L-410 NG?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 800 nm for the L-410 NG.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or L-410 NG seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 19 on the L-410 NG.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the L-410 NG?
The Dash 8 Q400 cruises faster, at 360 kt versus 220 kt for the L-410 NG.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the L-410 NG?
The L-410 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the L-410 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft — 64,904 lbs versus 15,873 lbs for the L-410 NG.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the L-410 NG?
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 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 Q400 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.