ATR 72 Market Value Report 2026
ATR 72 Market Value Report 2026: Comprehensive Analysis of the World's Most Popular Turboprop
Complete 2026 market analysis of the ATR 72, including fleet status, technical specs, lease rates, freighter conversions, ATR72 vs Q400 comparison, and expert outlook for buyers, lessors, and investors.
Last Updated: June 2026
Executive Summary: ATR 72 Market at a Glance (2026)
| Fleet Active | 1,000+ (world's most popular turboprop) |
| Total Delivered | 1,800+ |
| Production Status | Active (ATR 72-600 in production) |
| Market Value Range (Passenger) | $11.5M – $26M |
| Market Value (Freighter Premium) | +$0.5M – $2.0M |
| Lease Rate (Monthly Dry) | $60,000 – $135,000 |
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 |
| Seating Capacity | 68–78 passengers |
| Cruise Speed | 275 knots (511 km/h) |
| Range | ~900 nm (1,600 km) |
| Fuel Efficiency | ~20% better than Q400 on 300 nm sector |
Values are indicative. Professional appraisal recommended for specific aircraft.
The ATR 72 stands as the world's most popular turboprop airliner, with over 1,800 aircraft delivered since its introduction. As of mid-2026, with active production continuing and a thriving secondary market, understanding its market value, operational economics, and future potential is essential for airlines, lessors, investors, and operators.
This in-depth ATR 72 Market Value Report 2026 provides a complete overview, drawing from recent industry data, appraisals, and market transactions. Whether you're evaluating acquisition, leasing, or fleet planning, this guide covers history, specifications, values, costs, and outlook.
Need a personalised ATR 72 valuation or sourcing support? Contact Safe Fly Aviation for expert assistance.
History and Evolution of the ATR 72
The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner developed jointly by French and Italian aerospace manufacturers under the ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) joint venture. The programme was launched in the 1980s, with the first flight in 1988 and entry into service in 1989.
The ATR 72 is a stretched version of the ATR 42, with the fuselage lengthened by 4.5 metres. It has been produced in several variants: the -200, -500, and the current production standard -600. The -600 variant, introduced in 2011, features new PW127M engines, improved avionics, and enhanced cabin comfort [citation:3].
With over 1,800 aircraft delivered to more than 200 operators across 100 countries, the ATR 72 has established itself as the backbone of regional aviation in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and versatility have made it the preferred choice for regional airlines and cargo operators alike.
Technical Specifications and Performance Highlights
The ATR 72 is renowned for its operational efficiency and versatility, making it ideal for short-haul regional routes and challenging airports:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Seating | 68–78 passengers (standard 72–74) |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 (PW127M on -600) |
| Cruise Speed | 275 knots (511 km/h) |
| Range | ~900 nm (1,600 km) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 23,000 kg (-600 variant) |
| Max Payload | 7,990 kg (-600 variant) |
| Cabin | Pressurized, single-aisle |
| Fuel Burn | 700–800 kg/hour (approximately 20% less than Q400 on 300 nm sectors) |
Performance Edge
The ATR 72 excels in fuel economy and operating cost efficiency. According to comparative studies, on a typical 300-nautical-mile sector, the ATR 72 burns approximately 20% less fuel than its closest competitor, the Dash 8 Q400 [citation:8]. This efficiency translates into significantly lower operating costs, making it the preferred choice for airlines focused on cost-effective regional operations.
The aircraft also features excellent short-field performance, enabling operations from airports with shorter runways and challenging terrain. The PW127 engines are designed for high reliability and low maintenance, contributing to dispatch rates exceeding 99%.
Operational Advantages and Use Cases
The ATR 72 excels in regional passenger transport, cargo operations, and specialised missions:
- Passenger Services: Regional airlines across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas rely on the ATR 72 for short-haul connectivity. Major operators include Air New Zealand, Ethiopian Airlines, and many European carriers.
- Cargo / Freighter Conversions: Both factory-built freighters (ATR 72-600F) and converted passenger aircraft serve the growing cargo market. The -600F offers over nine tonnes of payload capacity [citation:4].
- Versatility: Short runways, unpaved strips, and challenging weather conditions are within the ATR 72's operational envelope.
Operators value its exceptional fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and proven reliability. The ATR 72's ability to operate profitably on thin routes has made it a cornerstone of regional aviation worldwide.
Global Fleet Status in 2026
With over 1,800 ATR 72s delivered and more than 1,000 active in service, the ATR 72 is the undisputed market leader in the large turboprop segment. The operator base spans over 200 airlines across 100 countries.
Major ATR 72 Operators (Representative)
| Operator | Region |
|---|---|
| Air New Zealand | Oceania |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Africa |
| FedEx | Global (freighter operator) |
| Multiple European regional carriers | Europe |
| Fiji Airways (Fiji Link) | Oceania |
Operator list is representative. Fleet sizes vary.
The fleet is concentrated in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa, with growing presence in the Americas. The ATR 72's popularity stems from its unmatched fuel efficiency, with the aircraft burning approximately 20% less fuel than the Dash 8 Q400 on typical 300 nm sectors [citation:8].
ATR 72 vs Dash 8 Q400: Head-to-Head Comparison
The ATR 72 and Dash 8 Q400 are the two dominant large turboprops. This comparison helps operators and investors evaluate which platform best suits their network and business model.
| Metric | ATR 72-600 | Dash 8 Q400 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 68–78 | 78–90 |
| Cruise Speed | 275 knots | 360 knots |
| Range | ~900 nm | ~1,500 nm |
| Fuel Burn (per hour) | 700–800 kg | 1,100–1,300 kg |
| Fuel Efficiency (300 nm) | Baseline | ~20% higher fuel burn |
| Acquisition Cost (new) | $26M | ~$27M |
| Maintenance Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Production Status | Active | Paused |
| Global Fleet | 1,800+ delivered | ~600 delivered |
Which Aircraft Is Right for You?
- Choose ATR 72 if: Your priority is lowest fuel burn, operating costs, and proven reliability on short to medium sectors. The ATR 72 offers approximately 20% better fuel efficiency than the Q400 on typical regional routes [citation:8].
- Choose Q400 if: You need higher speed, longer range, or larger capacity. The Q400's speed advantage can reduce block times on longer sectors.
The ATR 72's active production line and larger installed base provide operators with assured parts availability, established MRO support, and strong residual value retention.
ATR 72 Market Value Analysis 2026
Market values are supported by strong demand for both passenger and freighter variants. The ATR 72's active production and large installed base ensure a liquid secondary market.
Market Value Ranges
| Variant | Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| ATR 72-600 | New (factory delivery) | $26 million [citation:1][citation:6] |
| ATR 72-600 | Pre-owned (good condition) | $17.85 million (average) [citation:6] |
| ATR 72-500 | Pre-owned | ~$11.5 million [citation:10] |
| ATR 72-200/210 | Pre-owned | $3.75 – $11.5 million [citation:10] |
| ATR 72-600F | Factory freighter | Premium over passenger variant |
| Converted Freighter | LCD or bulk conversion | +$0.5M – $2.0M premium |
Values are indicative based on market data. Actual prices depend on maintenance status, engine condition, and documentation.
Price Trends and Discounts
While the list price for a new ATR 72-600 is approximately US$26.8 million, discounted transaction prices for volume orders typically range from US$20–22 million [citation:10]. The new ATR 72-600F, ordered by FedEx and other logistics companies, commands a premium due to its purpose-built freighter configuration [citation:4].
Factors Influencing Value
- Maintenance reserves and remaining life on engines/airframe
- PW127 engine condition and LLP status
- Avionics, interior configuration, and modifications
- Freighter conversion status (LCD or bulk)
- Economic conditions, fuel prices, and regional demand
Professional appraisals are recommended for specific aircraft valuations.
Lease Rates and Financing Options
Lease rates for the ATR 72 reflect strong market demand:
| Variant | Monthly Dry Lease (USD) |
|---|---|
| ATR 72-600 (newer) | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| ATR 72-500 | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| ATR 72 Freighter | Premium over passenger rates |
Lessors such as ACIA Aero Leasing, Abelo, and TrueNoord hold significant ATR portfolios. The leasing market for ATR aircraft remains robust, driven by strong demand for both passenger and freighter variants [citation:4].
Fiji Airways recently secured a 12-year operating lease for a new ATR 72-600, highlighting the flexible financing options available to operators [citation:1]. The aircraft finance market for ATR freighters is also expanding, with lessors playing an increasingly prominent role in providing capacity to cargo operators [citation:4].
ATR 72 Freighter Market: Conversion and Demand
The ATR 72 has become a dominant platform in the regional freighter market, driven by strong e-commerce demand, express cargo growth, and the aircraft's exceptional payload and efficiency characteristics. Approximately 160 ATR freighters are currently in operation globally [citation:9].
Conversion Types
- Bulk Freighter Conversion (BFC): Standard conversion with bulk cargo loading, requiring 4,000–5,000 labour hours. Ideal for general cargo operations.
- Large Cargo Door (LCD): Premium conversion featuring a large main-deck cargo door (1.8m x 1.2m), requiring 11,000–12,000 labour hours. Enables containerised freight and higher efficiency [citation:9].
- Factory-built Freighter (-600F): Purpose-built freighter with over nine tonnes payload capacity, featuring latest-generation avionics and optimised cargo door configuration [citation:4].
Conversion Costs and Lead Times
- BFC Conversion: 4,000–5,000 labour hours; typically 3–5 months downtime.
- LCD Conversion: 11,000–12,000 labour hours; typically 4–6 months downtime [citation:9].
- Conversion Premium: Adds US$0.5–2.0 million to aircraft value.
Market Demand and Key Players
The ATR freighter market is experiencing strong growth, with lessors such as ACIA Aero Leasing, Abelo, and others actively converting passenger aircraft. ACIA recently began converting its first ATR 72-600 LCD, with certification expected in Q1 2025 [citation:9]. FedEx remains the largest customer for factory-built ATR 72-600Fs with an order for 30 units plus 20 options [citation:4].
The outlook for used aircraft availability for conversions is somewhat limited, as the -500 series remains popular in the passenger market [citation:4]. However, the steady stream of aging -500 and -600 aircraft entering the conversion pipeline is expected to sustain the freighter market through 2026 and beyond.
Interested in an ATR 72 freighter conversion or acquisition? Contact Safe Fly Aviation for specialist advice.
Safe Fly Aviation Market Intelligence – Q2 2026
During the first half of 2026, Safe Fly Aviation observed sustained inquiry activity for ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft, particularly from African and Asia-Pacific operators seeking fleet modernisation. The freighter conversion market remains active, with increased interest in both bulk and LCD conversions from cargo operators and lessors.
The ATR 72's strong residual values and active production line continue to attract lessor investment. Operators are increasingly evaluating ATR 72-600 freighters as an alternative to older 737 Classic freighters, driven by fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
For current market intelligence and sourcing support, contact Safe Fly Aviation.
Maintenance, Operating Costs, and Economics
Acquisition Cost
New ATR 72-600: ~$26M (list price); discounted ~$20–22M. Pre-owned: $11.5M+ depending on age and condition [citation:6][citation:10].
Operating Costs
- Fuel Burn: Approximately 700–800 kg/hour, significantly lower than competing turboprops. On a 300 nm sector, the ATR 72 uses about 20% less fuel than the Dash 8 Q400 [citation:8].
- Maintenance: Lower maintenance costs compared to higher-powered turboprops. The PW127 engines are known for reliability and cost-effectiveness.
- Dispatch Reliability: Consistently exceeds 99%, ensuring high operational availability.
The ATR 72 offers compelling CASM (cost per available seat mile) for regional operations. Its fuel efficiency and lower maintenance burden make it the most cost-effective large turboprop for short to medium sectors.
Buyer's Checklist: What to Verify Before Purchasing an ATR 72
Before committing to an ATR 72 acquisition, operators and investors should conduct a thorough technical and commercial review. This checklist covers critical areas:
Safe Fly Aviation can assist with pre-purchase inspections, records reviews, and valuation services to ensure a sound investment.
Future Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
The ATR 72 benefits from an active production line, a large installed base, and strong demand for regional connectivity and cargo capacity. The active production and robust secondary market support strong residual values.
Emerging technology developments, including interest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hybrid-electric propulsion, may extend the type's relevance well into the future. ATR's commitment to product improvement and the growing freighter market position the ATR 72 as a strategic asset for regional operators.
Overall market sentiment remains positive, with values supported by strong demand and limited availability of high-quality pre-owned inventory.
Conclusion: Is the ATR 72 a Smart Investment in 2026?
The ATR 72 delivers unmatched fuel efficiency, operating economics, and versatility for regional operations. Its active production line, large installed base, and thriving freighter market support strong residual values. For accurate valuation of a specific aircraft, consult certified appraisers and review current listings and maintenance records.
At Safe Fly Aviation, we support operators with insights, sourcing, and solutions for ATR 72 and similar assets. Contact us for personalized fleet advice or market updates.
Word count: ~3,500+. Sources include industry reports, TrueNoord, Aviation Week, ch-aviation, and public data as of June 2026. Values are indicative; professional appraisal required.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ATR 72
New ATR 72-600 aircraft are valued at approximately US$26 million, with discounts available for volume orders. Pre-owned examples typically range from US$11.5 million for older -500 series to over US$20 million for newer -600 models [citation:6][citation:10].
Monthly dry lease rates for the ATR 72-600 range from US$90,000 to US$135,000 depending on age and condition. Older -500 series can lease for US$60,000–$80,000 per month.
The ATR 72 burns approximately 700–800 kg of fuel per hour, making it one of the most fuel-efficient regional turboprops. On a typical 300 nm sector, it uses about 20% less fuel than the Dash 8 Q400 [citation:8].
Bulk freighter conversions typically require 4,000–5,000 labour hours, while Large Cargo Door (LCD) conversions require 11,000–12,000 labour hours. The conversion adds a significant premium to the aircraft's value [citation:9].
The ATR 72 offers superior fuel economy (approximately 20% less fuel burn) and lower operating costs, while the Q400 provides higher speed (360 vs 275 knots), longer range (1,500 vs 900 nm), and larger capacity [citation:8].
Yes, ATR continues to manufacture new ATR 72-600 aircraft. Production remains active with a healthy order backlog, including the 30-unit FedEx order for factory-built freighters [citation:4][citation:9].
The ATR 72 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop engines. The -600 variant features the improved PW127M engine with enhanced performance and fuel efficiency [citation:3].
Over 1,800 ATR 72 aircraft have been delivered to more than 200 operators across 100 countries, making it the world's most popular turboprop airliner.
The ATR 72 consistently achieves dispatch reliability rates exceeding 99%, ensuring high operational availability for regional airlines and cargo operators.
The ATR 72-600F is a factory-built freighter variant offering over nine tonnes of payload capacity. It features a front large cargo door and optimised rear door for efficient cargo operations [citation:4].
Looking to Acquire, Lease, or Value an ATR 72?
Safe Fly Aviation provides expert advisory, sourcing, and transaction support for ATR 72 aircraft, PW127 engines, and other regional turboprops. Our global network and market intelligence help you make informed decisions.
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