The ATR 72-600 is the current version of the best-selling ATR 72 regional turboprop. Built by the French-Italian manufacturer ATR, it is designed for short regional hops where a jet would be uneconomical. Its two turboprop engines sip fuel compared to a regional jet, making it a favorite for island-hopping, feeder routes, and thin regional markets around the world.
History
The ATR 72 first flew in 1988 as a stretch of the smaller ATR 42. The modernized -600 series made its first flight on July 24, 2009, and entered service in 2011. The “-600” upgrade brought a glass cockpit with modern avionics, a lighter and more comfortable cabin, and improved engines — keeping the proven airframe current.
ATR has delivered the type to regional carriers on nearly every continent, and it remains one of the most widely used turboprops in commercial service.
The Family
The ATR turboprop line comes in two main sizes sharing a common design and type rating:
| Variant | Length | Seats (typical) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR 42-600 | 22.7 m | 48 | ~1,560 km |
| ATR 72-600 | 27.2 m | 70 | ~1,528 km |
The two aircraft share enough commonality that airlines can operate both with a single pilot type rating, simplifying training for mixed regional fleets.
Why Turboprops Still Win Short Routes
On flights under about an hour, a turboprop like the ATR 72-600 is often more economical than a regional jet. Propellers are far more efficient than jet engines at low speeds and altitudes, so the aircraft burns significantly less fuel on short sectors. Because these routes rarely need high cruise speed, the modest speed penalty is easily worth the fuel savings — which is why turboprops remain the backbone of regional and island networks.
In Service Today
The ATR 72-600 is flown by regional carriers worldwide, including Wings Air, Azul, and many regional and island operators across Asia, Europe, and South America. It is a common sight at smaller airports that larger jets rarely serve.
Spotting Tips
- High wing and propellers: A turboprop with a high-mounted wing and two large propellers — unmistakably not a jet
- T-tail: The ATR has a distinctive T-tail, with the horizontal stabilizer mounted atop the vertical fin
- Slim fuselage: A narrow, single-aisle regional cabin with a low stance and rear airstair door
- Size vs ATR 42: The -72 is noticeably longer than the ATR 42, with four-blade (or six-blade on later builds) propellers
Specifications
| ICAO type code | AT76 |
|---|---|
| Length | 27.2 m (89 ft 2 in) |
| Wingspan | 27.1 m (88 ft 9 in) |
| Height | 7.7 m (25 ft 3 in) |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 (2× 2,475 shp) |
| Cruise speed | 510 km/h (317 mph / 275 kn) |
| Service ceiling | 7,600 m (25,000 ft) |
| Typical seating | 70 (typical) / 78 (max) |
| First flight | 2009-07-24 |