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ATR 42-600 vs. ATR 72-600

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42-600

vs.

72-600

Price (USD)
$20 Million$26 Million
First Flight
19841988
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
22 m74 ft
27 m89 ft
Wingspan
24 m80 ft
27 m88 ft
Wing Area
54 m²586 ft²
61 m²656 ft²
Fuselage Width
2 m8 ft
2 m8 ft
Height
7 m24 ft
7 m25 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
18,600 kg41,006 lbs
23,000 kg50,706 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100
Max Thrust Per Engine
1,800 kW2,400 shp
1,846 kW2,475 shp
Max Total Thrust
3,600 kW4,800 shp
3,692 kW4,750 shp
Fuel Capacity
5,730 l1,514 gal
6,400 l1,691 gal
Range
1,326 km716 nm
1,528 km825 nm
Cruise Speed
556 km/h345 mph
510 km/h317 mph
Typical Seating
44 pax62 pax
Max Seating
50 pax74 pax

What Are the Differences Between the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600

ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-600 Size Comparison

  • At 27.20 meters, the ATR 72-600 is 4.50 meters longer than the ATR 42-600.
  • With a wingspan of 27.10 meters, the ATR 72-600 is 2.50 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 have heights of 7.60 meters and 7.70 meters respectively - making the ATR 72-600 0.10 meters taller.

ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-600 Range

  • ATR 72-600’s range of 1,528 kilometers is greater than ATR 42-600’s range of 1,326 kilometers. Therefore, the ATR 72-600 can fly nonstop approximately 202 kilometers further.
  • The ATR 72-600 can hold 1,691 gallons of fuel, which is 177 gallons more than the ATR 42-600’s tank capacity of 1,514 gallons.

ATR 42-600 vs ATR 72-600 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the ATR 72-600 can accommodate 62 passengers, which is about 18 passengers more than ATR 42-600’s seating capacity.
  • The ATR 72-600’s max seating capacity is 74 passengers, compared to 50 passengers of the ATR 42-600.

About the ATR 42-600

The ATR 42-600 is a twin-engine, turboprop aircraft is designed for regional travel. Its role in the aviation industry focuses on connecting regional and remote areas, making air travel accessible to smaller communities. The ATR 42 is most recognizable by its high-wing design , T-tail, and propeller engines.

The ATR 42 was originally introduced in 1984, with the -600 variant beginning flight in 2010. The -600 comes in at 22.7 meters (74.4 feet) long with a wingspan of 24.6 meters (80.6 feet). Its wing area of 54.5 square meters (586.6 square feet) is designed to provide efficient lift for short-runway takeoffs and landings. With a typical seating arrangement for 44 passengers, the ATR 42-600 is an optimal choice for airlines serving regional routes with lower passenger volumes. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120s, the aircraft delivers a total output of 3222 kW (4,320 shp), ensuring reliable performance for its operational requirements. The ATR 42-600 has a fuel capacity of 5,730 liters (1,514 US gallons), contributing to its range of 1,326 kilometers (716 nautical miles). Its cruise speed of 556 km/h (345 mph) enables efficient travel times for regional connections.

In the competitive landscape of regional aviation, the ATR 42-600 contends with aircraft like the Bombardier Q400, Fokker 50, an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia. Its appeal lies in its operational efficiency and suitability for short-haul routes, particularly in regions where larger jet aircraft are not viable. Airlines that have integrated the ATR 42-600 into their fleets include Silver Airways and Logan Air. These carriers utilize the aircraft to serve regional networks, capitalizing on its capacity to operate efficiently on shorter routes and provide essential connectivity.

The development of the ATR 42-600 was driven by the growing need for efficient, reliable aircraft in the regional market. Its introduction into service has been instrumental in expanding the reach of air travel to smaller markets, underscoring the importance of regional connectivity in the broader aviation industry.

About the ATR 72-600

The ATR 72-600, part of the renowned ATR aircraft family, is a twin-engine, high-wing turboprop airliner designed primarily for regional and short-haul flights. First flown in 1988, this model has become a popular choice for airlines operating in small markets.

ATR, the manufacturer of the ATR 72, has produced over 1800 units through 2023. The -600 variant is the latest model to be designed, making its first flight in 2007. Compared to the smaller ATR 42, the ATR 72 has a longer fuselage and wider wingspan. At 27.2 meters (89.1 feet) from nose to tail and a width of 27.1 meters (88.7 feet), the ATR 72-600 is characterized by its compact and efficient design, suitable for operations at smaller airports. It has a max takeoff weight of 23,000 kg (50,706 lbs), and a max payload of 7,400 kg (16,313 lbs). The ATR 72-600 is powered by two engines, delivering a total output of 3692 kW (4,950 shp), providing reliable performance for its operational requirements. It has a fuel capacity of 6,400 liters (1,691 US gallons), which contributes to its range of 1,528 kilometers (825 nautical miles). With a cruise speed of 510 km/h (317 mph), the ATR 72-600 offers an efficient travel option for regional airlines, connecting smaller communities and cities.

In the regional aviation sector, the ATR 72-600 competes with aircraft like the Bombardier Q400 and Embraer E-Jets. Its advantage lies in its operational cost-effectiveness, making it an appealing choice for airlines serving regional routes with moderate passenger volumes. Airlines such as Air New Zealand, IndiGo, SAS, and TAROM operate the ATR 72-600, utilizing its capabilities to serve regional networks. These carriers value the aircraft for its ability to provide efficient, reliable service on shorter routes, which are crucial for maintaining regional connectivity. The introduction of the ATR 72-600 to the market was driven by the need for an economical, versatile aircraft that could effectively serve the regional aviation segment. Its operational role has been defined by its capacity to offer cost-efficient solutions for airlines operating on less dense routes.

Today, the ATR 72-600 remains a significant player in the regional aircraft market, demonstrating its continued relevance in connecting smaller cities and communities.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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