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Airbus A318 vs. ATR 72-600

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A318

vs.

72-600

Price (USD)
$77 Million$26 Million
First Flight
20021988
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
31 m103 ft
27 m89 ft
Wingspan
34 m111 ft
27 m88 ft
Wing Area
122 m²1,317 ft²
61 m²656 ft²
Fuselage Width
4 m13 ft
2 m8 ft
Height
12 m41 ft
7 m25 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
68,000 kg149,914 lbs
23,000 kg50,706 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56 / Pratt & Whitney PW6000Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100
Max Thrust Per Engine
106 kN24,000 lbf
1,846 kW2,475 shp
Max Total Thrust
212 kN48,000 lbf
3,692 kW4,750 shp
Fuel Capacity
24,210 l6,396 gal
6,400 l1,691 gal
Range
5,750 km3,105 nm
1,528 km825 nm
Cruise Speed
830 km/h516 mph
510 km/h317 mph
Typical Seating
110 pax62 pax
Max Seating
132 pax74 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A318 and ATR 72-600

Airbus A318 vs ATR 72-600 Size Comparison

  • At 31.40 meters, the Airbus A318 is 4.20 meters longer than the ATR 72-600.
  • With a wingspan of 34.10 meters, the Airbus A318 is 7 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Airbus A318 and ATR 72-600 have heights of 12.60 meters and 7.70 meters respectively - making the Airbus A318 4.90 meters taller.

Airbus A318 vs ATR 72-600 Range

  • Airbus A318’s range of 5,750 kilometers is greater than ATR 72-600’s range of 1,528 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A318 can fly nonstop approximately 4,222 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A318 can hold 6,396 gallons of fuel, which is 4,705 gallons more than the ATR 72-600’s tank capacity of 1,691 gallons.

Airbus A318 vs ATR 72-600 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A318 can accommodate 110 passengers, which is about 48 passengers more than ATR 72-600’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A318’s max seating capacity is 132 passengers, compared to 74 passengers of the ATR 72-600.

About the Airbus A318

The Airbus A318, the smallest member of the Airbus A320 family, is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner designed for short to medium-haul routes. Introduced in the early 2000s, the A318 was developed to meet the needs of airlines for a smaller aircraft that could operate in restricted airports and on less densely populated routes, without compromising on range and efficiency.

Measuring 103.2 feet (31.4 meters) in length with a wingspan of 111.9 feet (34.1 meters), the A318 is significantly shorter than its A320 family counterparts. This compact size allows the aircraft to operate at airports with stringent noise and space constraints. Despite its smaller size, the A318 offers a standard seating arrangement for 110 passengers in a two-class configuration, making it an optimal choice for airlines looking to serve regional markets with a high-quality passenger experience. Equipped with either CFM56-5B or Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines, the A318 provides sufficient thrust to support a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 130,000 lbs. The aircraft's range is around 3,100 nautical miles, depending on the specific model and configuration, allowing for a variety of route options including transcontinental flights. The A318's design includes many of the technological advancements found in the A320 family, such as Airbus's pioneering fly-by-wire control system and a modern glass cockpit. These features enhance the aircraft's operational efficiency and safety, while also ensuring commonality with other members of the A320 family, a significant advantage for airlines in terms of crew training and fleet management.

Throughout its production, the Airbus A318 saw orders from several airlines, including Air France and British Airways. These carriers have utilized the A318 for its intended operational roles, capitalizing on its ability to serve smaller markets and city-center airports, like London City Airport, where the aircraft's steep approach capability is particularly beneficial. The A318's role in the Airbus lineup highlights the manufacturer's dedication to offering a comprehensive range of aircraft to meet various airline requirements. While it is the smallest in the A320 family, the A318 continues to fulfill a unique niche in the market, providing airlines with a versatile and efficient option for regional and short-haul routes.

The Airbus A318 remains a testament to the adaptability and innovation of the A320 family, demonstrating Airbus's ability to scale its successful designs to meet diverse market demands. Though its production numbers were modest compared to other family members, the A318's contribution to the narrow-body segment is acknowledged for its specialized applications and operational flexibility.

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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