If you’ve ever flown on a short regional flight, chances are you’ve ridden in either a Bombardier or an ATR. These two names are legends in regional aviation, known for their tough and reliable turboprops that connect small cities and communities. 

Here’s a neat detail to set the stage: the Dash 8-400 cruises at about 360 knots, while the ATR 72-600 is around 275 knots, so speed can change the whole schedule on longer hops.

But when it comes to picking the better one, the details matter. Speed, comfort, and efficiency all play a big part in what makes one plane stand out over another. 

So let’s take a closer look at how these aircraft compare and what makes each special.

What Makes Turboprops Special?

A turboprop aircraft is built to handle short flights and small airports. It uses a turbine engine that turns a propeller, which gives it great power without needing long runways. This is why turboprops are perfect for short-haul routes where big jet aircraft might struggle.

For passengers, these planes offer a comfortable, practical way to travel between smaller towns or islands. Airlines love them because they cost less to fly and can land almost anywhere.

Here’s what makes them so useful:

• Fuel efficiency: Turboprops are very fuel efficient, using less fuel on short trips compared to regional jets.
   
• Short takeoff and landing: They can use shorter runways, making them ideal for small airports in remote areas.
   
• Lower operating costs: The operational costs are usually lower because the planes burn less fuel and need smaller crews.
   
• Passenger experience: Many newer airliner models focus on smoother rides and reduced cabin noise, improving passenger comfort.

For airlines, this combination of efficiency and flexibility is hard to beat. A turboprop can make several quick trips in a day while keeping operating costs low. That means cheaper tickets and more connections for travelers.

The most famous modern turboprops include the ATR 72, the Dash 8 Q400, and other members of the ATR series. Each brings its own strengths, but both ATR and Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft have set the standard for performance in regional aviation.

Meet the Rivals: Bombardier and ATR

Now that we know why turboprops are so popular, it’s time to meet the two biggest names in the market: Bombardier and ATR. Both have spent decades building reliable, efficient planes that serve airlines around the world.

Bombardier and the Dash 8 Legacy

The Bombardier Q400 (also called the Dash 8-400 or Dash 8 Q400) is a Canadian aircraft originally made by Bombardier and now supported by De Havilland Canada. It’s part of the Bombardier Dash 8 family, which has become a trusted choice for many regional carriers.

• Speed: The Q400 can cruise at about 360 knots, making it one of the fastest regional turboprop planes ever built.
   
• Capacity: It can seat up to 90 passengers, offering high passenger capacity for a turboprop.
   
• Performance: It handles well in high altitudes and hot weather, which gives airlines flexibility in challenging conditions.

Today, De Havilland continues to maintain and support the Dash 8 line, with possible plans to restart full production.

ATR: The European Powerhouse

On the other side, ATR—a partnership between Airbus and Leonardo—builds the ATR aircraft that dominate many regional markets. The most popular model is the ATR 72-600, which serves short and medium-distance routes across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

• Fuel Savings: The ATR 72 family is known for lower fuel consumption, helping airlines cut operating costs.
   
• Design: The ATR 72 vs Dash 8 debate often comes down to speed versus savings. The ATR 72 is slower but cheaper to operate.
   
• Reliability: The ATR series is simple, rugged, and easy to maintain.

In Q400 vs ATR comparisons, airlines usually weigh speed against cost. The Q400 wins for speed and climb rate, while the ATR 72 wins for fuel burn and maintenance.

Why Airlines Care About Speed, Fuel, and Comfort

When an airline picks between two aircraft, it’s not only about looks—it’s about numbers. They focus on how fast the plane flies, how much it costs to run, and how passengers feel during the flight.

• Speed: The Q400 is faster and better for longer short-haul routes. It can fit more flights into a single day, which helps boost profits.
   
• Fuel Use: The ATR 72 burns less fuel and has lower operational costs. That means airlines can offer lower fares while staying profitable.
   
• Comfort: Both planes aim for better passenger comfort, with quiet cabins and smoother rides. The Bombardier Q400 uses special technology to reduce vibration and noise.

Here’s a simple breakdown airlines often use when choosing:

Airlines pick the plane that matches their routes. A carrier flying long, busy connections may go for the Dash 8, while a regional operator focused on small airports might choose the ATR 72.

That’s the beauty of modern aviation—each aircraft has its own place in the skies. And together, the ATR and Bombardier models keep regional turboprop travel strong around the world.

Comparing Bombardier Dash 8 vs ATR 72

When people talk about regional airplanes, two names always pop up — Bombardier Dash 8 and ATR 72. Both have been trusted by airlines for years, flying passengers safely and efficiently across towns, islands, and small cities. These regional routes are the heart of many air networks, and each of these planes does the job in its own special way.

Let’s go deeper through how they compare in performance, comfort, and cost — and why airlines pick one over the other.

A Quick Look at Their Backgrounds

The Dash 8 series began with Bombardier in 1992, when the company wanted to build an airplane that could fly faster and farther than older turboprops. The early versions were the Q200 and Q300, which were smaller and had fewer seats. Later, the company introduced the Dash 8 Q400, the largest and fastest model, which could carry up to 90 passengers and cover longer distances.

Bombardier later focused on other programs, like the CRJ regional jet line, and passed the Dash 8 to DHC (De Havilland Canada). Today, DHC maintains and supports the Dash 8 aircraft around the world.

The ATR 72, on the other hand, belongs to the ATR family, made by a joint aircraft company between Airbus and Leonardo. The ATR program started in the 1980s, with the smaller ATR 42 and 72 becoming strong favorites for shorter routes. The latest version, the ATR 72-600, keeps the same reliable design but adds new engines, modern avionics, and a more comfortable cabin.

Both have long histories of success, but they were built with slightly different goals in mind — the Dash 8 for speed and power, and the ATR 72 for simplicity and savings.

Speed and Performance

Speed is one of the most noticeable differences. The Dash 8 is known as the “fast turboprop.” It cruises at about 360 knots (around 415 mph), which almost beats the ATR 72 by a full 100 knots. The ATR 72 usually cruises at about 275 knots (315 mph).

That extra speed helps the Dash 8 complete more trips in a single day, especially on routes where time matters. For example:

• A Dash 8 can make an extra round trip on a 300-mile leg compared to an ATR 72.
   
• Airlines that fly between medium-sized cities often prefer that speed advantage.

But speed also comes at a cost — the Dash 8 burns more fuel than the ATR 72. On short hops, the time saved isn’t always worth the extra fuel burned, so airlines have to choose carefully.

Takeaway:

• Dash 8: Faster, better for longer or busier routes.
   
• ATR 72: Slower, but better for cost control on short flights.

Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs

The ATR 72-600 wins easily in fuel efficiency. Its lighter design and newer engines make it one of the most fuel-efficient turboprops in service. Airlines flying on shorter routes—like 150 to 300 miles—find it perfect for saving on costs while still offering frequent service.

The Dash 8 series uses more powerful engines that provide speed but burn extra fuel. For airlines flying longer regional connections, that’s an acceptable trade-off. However, for operators that focus on low-cost, high-frequency routes, the ATR 72’s lower operating costs are hard to ignore.

Let’s look at a few key points:

• ATR 72-600: Known for its lower fuel burn per seat, helping airlines keep fares lower.
   
• Dash 8 Q400: Consumes more fuel but delivers better block times (total trip time).
   
• Maintenance: ATR parts and systems are simpler, which can mean shorter repair times and lower costs over the aircraft’s life.

For example, a small airline connecting islands or small towns would likely choose the ATR 72 for its savings. A larger carrier that needs to connect busy cities across larger regions might go for the Dash 8 for its speed.

Passenger Comfort and Cabin Design

Passengers care about comfort, especially on planes this size. The ATR 72-600 cabin is quiet and bright, with better overhead storage and wide windows. Seats are designed for short flights—usually under two hours—and space is used efficiently.

The Dash 8 Q400, on the other hand, has advanced noise-reduction technology that makes it surprisingly calm inside. Bombardier called it the “Q” for “quiet.” Even though the Dash 8’s engines are more powerful, most passengers describe it as comfortable and smooth.

Here’s a simple comparison of cabin features:

• ATR 72: Two-by-two seating, large windows, good lighting, but slightly less headroom.
   
• Dash 8 Q400: Two-by-two seating, better headroom, quieter cabin, and smoother ride in turbulence.

In surveys, passengers often say both are pleasant to fly on, but the Dash 8 feels a bit roomier, while the ATR feels cozy and practical.

Capacity and Range

The Dash 8 Q400 can hold up to 90 passengers and fly up to about 1,100 nautical miles, depending on weight and weather. The ATR 72-600 usually carries up to 78 passengers and flies about 800 nautical miles.

For many routes, both planes cover similar ranges, but the Dash 8 can handle longer stretches more comfortably. Airlines often pick the Dash 8 when they need to reach larger cities or connect longer-distance regional routes.

However, the ATR’s smaller capacity and lighter frame make it ideal for airports that have shorter runways or smaller terminals.

So again, it depends on the type of network the airline runs:

• ATR 72: Ideal for regional routes with smaller airports.
   
• Dash 8: Great for larger markets and faster turnarounds.

Technology and Build

The Dash 8 series uses advanced systems for speed, climb performance, and cockpit technology. Its design gives pilots better handling, especially in windy or mountainous areas. Because of its higher power, it can also take off from shorter or high-altitude runways that would limit other planes.

The ATR 72-600 uses modern digital avionics, simple controls, and efficient engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada. These upgrades make it reliable, easier to maintain, and friendly for smaller crews to operate.

While the Dash 8 has more advanced systems overall, the ATR’s simplicity helps airlines save on training and maintenance costs. Both airplanes have proven to be durable and dependable for decades.

Production and Support

Today, the Dash 8 program is managed by DHC, also known as De Havilland Canada. The company continues to support all older Dash 8 versions, including the Q200, Q300, and Q400. Although new production slowed in recent years, many Q400s are still flying daily around the world.

Meanwhile, the ATR family continues to roll off the assembly line at full pace. ATR’s partnership with Airbus ensures a steady flow of updates, support, and parts. That’s one reason many airlines still buy new ATR 72-600s today.

So while the Dash 8 remains a powerhouse, ATR currently has the momentum in the market due to its active production line and wide global network.

Choosing Between Them

For most airlines, the choice comes down to balance.

• If you want speed and higher capacity: The Dash 8 Q400 is the winner.
   
• If you want efficiency and lower cost: The ATR 72-600 is the smarter choice.

In many ways, both airplanes complement each other. They serve the same markets, but each brings a slightly different advantage. Airlines that value time often pick the Dash 8, while those focused on budget and reach go for the ATR.

Even major airlines like Boeing’s regional partners and smaller local carriers have relied on these models to connect communities and expand their reach. Their long histories prove how important they are to the world’s aviation network.

Conclusion

The debate over Bombardier vs ATR doesn’t have one final winner and are both champions in regional aviation. Each has strengths that fit different flying needs. 

Each fills a critical role in connecting cities, islands, and small communities that depend on reliable air travel. The Dash 8 delivers power and performance that make it stand out on longer routes, while the ATR 72 focuses on economy and simplicity for short, frequent trips.

The Bombardier Dash 8 shines when speed and power matter. The ATR 72 leads when savings and simplicity count. Both continue to shape the future of regional aviation, helping travelers reach more places with comfort and efficiency.

When you compare them, it’s clear: the Dash 8 shines in speed, and the ATR 72 shines in savings. In the end, they both keep regional skies busy and connected — and that’s a win for everyone who loves flying.

If you’d like to keep learning about aircraft and smart flying choices, explore more guides at Flying411 today!

FAQs

1. Which aircraft is faster, the Bombardier Q400 or ATR 72?

The Bombardier Q400 is faster, cruising around 360 knots, while the ATR 72 averages closer to 275 knots.

2. Which plane uses less fuel?

The ATR 72-600 is known for its lower fuel consumption, making it cheaper to operate on shorter flights.

3. How many passengers can each carry?

The Dash 8 Q400 carries up to 90 passengers, while the ATR 72 typically carries between 68 and 78 passengers.

4. Are turboprops louder than jets?

Older ones were, but newer models like the Bombardier Q400 use noise-reducing systems for quieter cabins.

5. Why do airlines still use turboprops?

They’re great for short trips, shorter runways, and lower operating costs, making them ideal for regional travel.