ATR 42-500: Regional Turboprop Guide for Private Charter and Group Travel

The ATR 42-500 is a high-performance variant of the classic regional airliner, built for short-haul routes where runway access and fuel economy matter more than raw speed. For charter clients moving 30 to 48 passengers on regional sectors, it fills a practical gap between small business jets and full-size airliners. This guide covers its specifications, cabin experience, operating costs, and how to book one through Jettly.

Key Takeaways

• The ATR 42-500 is a twin turboprop regional airliner that typically seats 42 to 48 passengers and cruises at about 300 knots. It is widely used on short regional routes where efficiency is paramount.

• The -500 variant introduced Pratt Whitney Canada PW127E engines, new six-bladed propellers, and an improved passenger cabin, delivering better hot and high performance and lower noise than earlier ATR models.

• Chartering an ATR 42-500 through Jettly can cut per-seat costs compared to booking multiple smaller jets for corporate shuttles, sports teams, or large family groups.

• Operating cost runs approximately $5,373 per hour, with a lower trip cost than larger 70-seat turboprops or regional jets on comparable sectors.

• This article covers specifications, cabin layout, range, operating economics, comparisons with the ATR 72 and jets, and how to book through Jettly's platform.

Overview of the ATR 42-500

The ATR 42-500 is a regional turboprop developed by ATR, a Franco-Italian joint venture between Aérospatiale (now Airbus) and Aeritalia (now Leonardo), with a pair of engines. ATR produces two main fuselage sizes: the ATR 42 (shorter body, ~42-48 seats) and the ATR 72 (stretched, ~68-78 seats). Both aircraft share wing and engine technology, and both are designed for high-frequency regional operations.

The ATR 42-500 is equipped for regional operations and emphasizes capacity and operating efficiency over speed. In airline configuration, the aircraft's standard seating accommodates 42 to 48 passengers. Charter operators sometimes reduce that number to offer more legroom or business-style layouts. The model is optimized for short-haul commuter routes and operations from challenging airfields, including short runways that many jets cannot serve.

For charter clients, the ATR 42-500 fits group travel on regional sectors of roughly 200 to 700 nautical miles, reaching secondary airports, island strips, and mountain airfields that keep passengers closer to their final destinations; tools like Jettly's airport locator platform help identify suitable airfields for these missions.

Development History and Evolution

The ATR 42 program started in the early 1980s as a purpose-built regional airliner. The -500 variant represents the aircraft's most substantial mid-life upgrade, replacing earlier models with stronger engines, quieter propellers, and a refined cabin.

Key milestones in the ATR 42 timeline:

• ATR launched as a consortium in November 1981, with the ATR 42 program initiated shortly afterward in France and Italy. Final assembly takes place in Toulouse.

• The first ATR 42 prototype flight occurred in August 1984. Certification and entry into service followed in December 1985, with Air Littoral as the launch customer.

• ATR approved development of the -500 series in June 1993, marking the adoption of the upgraded engine and propeller package. The maiden flight took place in September 1994, with certification granted in July 1995. Air Dolomiti, an Italian carrier, received the first delivery in October 1995, with revenue service beginning in January 1996.

• The ATR 42-600, an improved version with a glass cockpit and further cabin refinements, was launched in 2007. Production of the -500 and -600 overlapped for about a year before the -600 became the standard production version, helped by later sales momentum for the newer family.

What changed versus earlier ATR 42 variants (-200/-300/-320): the -500 swapped four-bladed propellers for six-bladed propellers, upgraded from PW120/PW121 engines to the more powerful PW127E/M, reinforced the airframe structure, added increased weight capacity, and implemented other minor improvements to avionics and cabin insulation. These changes drew partly from ATR 72 technology.

The ATR 42-500 airframe has also been adapted for freighter, combi, and special mission variants, including maritime patrol and government operations.

Technical Specifications of the ATR 42-500

Specifications below reflect typical manufacturer data from ATR's published documentation. Actual figures vary by operator and configuration.

Specification	Value
Engines	Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127E turboprop engines (or PW127M variant)
Propellers	Six-bladed composite, approx. 3.93 m (12.9 ft) diameter
Length	74 ft 5 in (22.7 m)
Wingspan	80 ft 7 in (24.6 m)
Seating Capacity	42 to 48 passengers
Crew	2 pilots and 1 flight attendant
Cruise Speed	300 knots (approx. 556 km/h)
Range	Approx. 703 nautical miles (1,300 km)
Service Ceiling	25,000 feet (7,620 m)
Max Takeoff Weight	18,600 kg (41,005 lb)
Max Landing Weight	Approx. 18,300 kg
Operational Empty Weight	Around 11,250-11,500 kg
Fuel Burn (Cruise)	Approx. 811 kg/hour
Balanced Field Length	4,192 feet
Landing Distance	Approx. 3,169 feet

For charter clients, the practical takeaway is that this aircraft operates comfortably from runways as short as 1,050-1,200 meters on lighter loads, opening access to regional airports that many jets cannot reach.

Cabin Layout, Comfort, and Onboard Experience

Seating and Layout

The ATR 42-500 cabin is functional and comfortable for flights of 1 to 3 hours. It is not a long-range luxury jet, but it adapts well to group private jet charter needs.

Standard configuration features:

• 2-2 seating across a single aisle, narrow-body layout

• Maximum seating around 48 passengers; charter setups often use fewer seats for added comfort

• One lavatory at the rear and basic galley facilities for light catering

• The cabin measures 6'3" high and 8'4" wide, giving passengers enough headroom to move through the aisle, though it is not a full stand-up cabin like larger business jets

Cabin Features

The -500 brought specific cabin improvements over earlier ATR models. Six-bladed propellers and improved noise insulation reduced vibration and cabin noise. The ATR 42-500's cabin features increased overhead bin volume for longer items, making it easier to stow business bags and personal belongings. These minor improvements add up on a one- to two-hour flight.

Charter Customization

Charter operators sometimes configure the ATR 42-500 as a corporate shuttle with business-style seating, more legroom, and upgraded materials broadly similar to ATR 42-600 HighLine interiors. Catering options range from simple snacks to full meals depending on route length, and services like Jettly Eats in-flight catering can support more customized menus. Some operators offer portable Wi-Fi solutions. Jettly can help match specific cabin feature requests to available operators.

Performance, Range, and Ideal Missions

Range and Speed

The ATR 42-500 is built for short and medium regional legs, not transcontinental missions. Its strengths lie in efficiency, runway versatility, and improved performance in conditions that ground or restrict other aircraft.

• Practical range: Roughly 600-700 NM with full passenger load in real-world charter conditions. Example routes: London to Berlin, Milan to Paris, or Toronto to New York.

• Cruise speed: Around 300 knots, somewhat slower than small jets but efficient on sectors under 2-3 hours where ground time and airport access often matter more than airspeed.

Field Performance

The ATR 42-500 has excellent low-speed handling and robust landing gear, enabling operations from short runways and regional airstrips. Each flight is performance-planned by the operator based on runway length, elevation, temperature, and weight.

The ATR 42-500's PW127E engines enhance performance in hot and high conditions. The engines are flat-rated to maintain full power output at ambient temperatures up to approximately 456C, which matters for charters to mountain airports, tropical islands, or desert-region hubs in hot weather.

Ideal Charter Use Cases

Ideal use cases for charter:

• Corporate shuttles between regional business hubs

• Sports teams, music tours, and event travel groups needing 30-40+ seats

• Government, NGO, or relief operations requiring flexible, short runway access at high altitude, often working with established charter airlines and private operators

• Family or multi-family holiday trips to island or leisure destinations

Jettly's platform helps match mission requirements (distance, runway constraints, group size) to a suitable ATR 42-500 operator with appropriate performance margins, and in some cases travelers can benefit from crowdsourced and shared charter flights to reduce individual seat costs, similar to other shared charter flights vs. full charters models in private aviation.

Operating Economics and Pricing Context

The ATR 42-500 is generally more economical per seat than small business jets on short regional routes, but the total charter price is higher because the whole aircraft carries 40+ passengers. The aircraft has a lower trip cost than larger 70-seat turboprops or regional jets on comparable sectors, and understanding broader private jet charter pricing can help put these economics in context.

Key cost benchmarks for the ATR 42-500:

Cost Component	Amount (USD)
Operating cost per hour	$5,373
Total variable costs	$1,812,024 annually
Total fixed costs	$605,996 annually
Annual budget	$2,418,020
Average pre-owned price	$4,500,000
Loan payment (per period)	$112,823 (for $2,250,000 loan over 120 months)

These numbers come from industry cost models and vary with fuel prices, utilization, and region. For travelers focused on keeping budgets in check, understanding how to book the cheapest private jet flights alongside a deeper look at turboprop charter rates can help put these economics in context; Jettly publishes current pricing guidance.

Main cost drivers for charter clients:

• Flight time and distance (block hours)

• Airport fees and handling charges at regional vs. major airports

• Fuel burn compared with regional jets (turboprops generally burn less on short sectors)

• Crew, maintenance, and positioning costs

Jettly adds transparency through instant estimate tools and quote requests via its digital platform, including a dedicated jet card flight cost estimator. Clients can compare ATR 42-500 quotes against alternatives such as light jets, midsize jets, or the ATR 72 for larger groups using Jettly's charter cost estimator, and may also find savings through discounted empty leg flights when schedules are flexible.

ATR 42 vs ATR 42-500 vs ATR 72

ATR's family concept lets charter customers choose capacity and improved performance that best fits their routes while sharing common technology and support across ATR models.

Within the ATR 42 line:

• Early ATR 42 variants (-200/-300) used less powerful PW120/PW121 engines and four-bladed propellers. The -500 added improved hot and high altitude capabilities, six-bladed propellers, better fuel efficiency, and reduced cabin noise.

• The ATR 42-600 brought a glass cockpit, further engine refinements, and a refined cabin. Charter clients may see both -500 and -600 in Jettly search results; their mission profiles are broadly similar.

Comparing the ATR 42-500 with the ATR 72:

• The ATR 72 is a stretched variant seating roughly 68-78 passengers, powered by the same engine family

• Higher capacity and slightly higher operating costs, but lower cost per seat for groups exceeding 50-60 passengers

• For groups of 20-45, the ATR 42-500 is typically the better fit; for 60-70 passengers, the ATR 72 makes more sense

On Jettly, clients can filter by aircraft category (turboprop), seat count, or range to compare options side by side or explore the wider universe of private charter aircraft. A corporate shuttle choosing between the ATR 42-500 and ATR 72 can weigh headcount against luggage needs and per-seat cost. For more on larger turboprop private jet options, Jettly's aircraft guides cover each model in detail.

Chartering an ATR 42-500 with Jettly

The ATR 42-500 is not just an airline workhorse. It is a flexible charter option accessible through Jettly's global marketplace for groups that need a 30-passenger plane or larger.

Booking process:

• Create an account and enter route, dates, passenger count, and preferred schedule on Jettly's platform

• Filter results to include turboprops or specific types like "ATR 42-500"

• Compare pricing, aircraft photos, cabin layouts, and operator safety ratings

• Confirm details such as baggage limits, catering, and special requests (sports equipment, instruments, pets) before booking

Jettly offers wide access to regional turboprops, regional jets, and business jets in one platform, with transparent digital pricing. Membership options and on-demand charter are both available for frequent group movements, and Jettly's range of private jet memberships can suit different travel profiles; travelers comparing options can review the best jet card programs to see how different structures work in practice. Clients can choose regional airports closer to home or the final destination, reducing ground transfer time.

Learn more about Jettly's charter options at https://www.jettly.com or explore its jet card programs for frequent flyers.

Safety, Reliability, and Regulatory Oversight

The ATR 42 family has decades of operational history worldwide in airline, cargo, and special mission service. Like any widely used regional aircraft manufactured over many years, ATR models have experienced accidents and incidents. Advances in pilot training, operational procedures, and fleet upgrades (the transition from -300 to -500 and -600 with enhanced systems) have continually improved safety across the type, and travelers often work with properly certified Part 135 charter companies to ensure regulatory compliance and robust safety oversight.

All charter flights booked through Jettly are conducted by licensed operators complying with national and international aviation regulations (FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and others). For cross-border missions, the same regulatory mindset extends to private jets flying internationally, where permits, customs, and overflight rules must be followed. Aircraft maintenance schedules, pilot training programs, and recurrent checks are required for commercial ATR aircraft operations.

ATR turboprops maintain high dispatch reliability in regional service. Spare parts and a global support network help minimize delays. Jettly's platform allows clients to review operator credentials and, where available, third-party safety ratings (such as ARGUS or Wyvern) before confirming a charter.

FAQ

Common questions about the ATR 42-500 in the context of private charter and group travel.

How many passengers can an ATR 42-500 carry on a private charter?

The ATR 42-500 typically has a seating capacity of 42 to 48 passengers in standard configuration. Charter operators may offer layouts with fewer seats for extra legroom or specific mission needs. For individuals or smaller groups, strategies on how to get a seat on a private jet easily can complement larger group charter planning. Jettly's aircraft detail pages show the exact seat count for each available operator.

Is the ATR 42-500 comfortable enough for business travelers?

The ATR 42-500's 2-2 seating, improved noise insulation from six-bladed propellers, and an improved passenger cabin make it well suited for regional business flights of 1-3 hours. Some operators equip it as a corporate shuttle with added legroom. Readers comparing providers across aircraft types may find it useful to review the best private jet charter companies. Jettly can help customers choose those layouts for executive groups.

Can the ATR 42-500 use small or remote airports?

One of the ATR 42-500's main advantages is its ability to operate from short runways and regional airports, including some island and mountain destinations that jets cannot serve. Each flight's feasibility depends on runway length, elevation, temperature, and weight planning, which the operator evaluates during the booking process.

How does the ATR 42-500 compare in price to smaller private jets?

The total charter price for an ATR 42-500 is higher than for a single small jet, but the cost per seat drops when traveling with 20-40+ passengers. Operating cost at approximately $5,373 per hour, divided across 40 passengers, works out to roughly $134 per passenger per hour, which can compare favorably with other ways to buy a seat on a private jet. Request quotes via Jettly to compare per-person costs on your specific route.

Are there cargo or combi versions of the ATR 42-500 available for charter?

Many ATR 42s, including -500 variants, have been converted to freighter or combi (passenger plus cargo) configurations, often following acquisition by cargo or specialist operators, for parcels, supplies, and specialist missions, including operations in Indonesia and other remote regions. Jettly can sometimes source ATR 42 freighter capacity for urgent cargo needs. Contact the platform directly with cargo weight and volume details for a tailored solution.

Ready to explore group charter options? You can also earn by referring new travelers through Jettly's ULTRA high ticket affiliate program. Request a quote at https://www.jettly.com.

Facts about the ATR 42-500

The ATR 42-500 is a high-performance variant of the classic regional airliner, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127E turboprop engines. It features six-bladed composite propellers for better efficiency and excellent low-speed handling with robust landing gear, making it ideal for short-haul commuter routes and operations from challenging airfields.

The aircraft typically seats 42 to 48 passengers and emphasizes capacity and operating efficiency over speed. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 18,600 kg and can transport up to 42 passengers comfortably. The cabin measures 6'3" high and 8'4" wide, with increased overhead bin volume for longer items, enhancing passenger convenience.

The ATR 42-500 cruises at a normal speed of about 300 knots and has a maximum operating altitude of 25,000 feet. It features a balanced field length of 4,192 feet, supporting operations from shorter runways that many jets cannot access.

Widely used on short regional routes where efficiency is paramount, the ATR 42-500 offers a lower trip cost than larger 70-seat turboprops or regional jets, making it a cost-effective choice for regional travel.

Pricing and operating costs include an average pre-owned price of $4,500,000. For financing, a $2,250,000 loan over 120 months results in payments of $112,823 per period. Annual total variable costs are approximately $1,812,024, with fixed costs around $605,996, leading to an overall annual budget of $2,418,020. The operating cost is roughly $5,373 per hour, reflecting its efficiency and value for charter clients.

These specifications and cost factors make the ATR 42-500 a practical and economical option for private and group charters on regional routes, combining performance, comfort, and affordability, especially when evaluated against NetJets alternatives like flying private with Jettly for less.

Conclusion

The ATR 42-500 remains a versatile and efficient choice for regional travel, balancing passenger capacity, operating costs, and runway accessibility. Its robust design, enhanced engines, and improved cabin make it a practical option for groups needing reliable short-haul flights to secondary airports and challenging airfields. Through Jettly, charter clients gain transparent pricing, instant booking, and access to a broad network of operators offering the ATR 42-500 for private and group travel. Whether for business shuttles, family trips, or special missions, the ATR 42-500 offers a compelling blend of performance and value.

Ready to take control of your private travel experience? Discover available flights or get a personalized quote at https://www.jettly.com.