atr-42-320

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ATR 42-320 Cargo Specifications and Charter Rates

The ATR 42-320 is a versatile twin-turboprop cargo aircraft designed for efficient regional freight operations, offering a blend of reliability, performance, and payload flexibility. Introduced in the late 1980s as a robust member of the ATR family, it has become a mainstay for operators seeking dependable short-haul logistics solutions with a maximum range of approximately 850 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 300 knots.


Renowned for its ability to access smaller airports and deliver time-sensitive shipments quickly, the ATR 42-320 is a preferred choice for express cargo, e-commerce, and perishable goods transport across challenging geographies. This page details full specifications, cargo hold dimensions, operational performance, and what makes the ATR 42-320 a leader in regional freight charter.

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ATR 42-320 Overview

The ATR 42-320 stands out in the cargo segment for its balance of payload capacity, short-field performance, and operational economy. With a maximum payload of over 12,000 lbs and a spacious cargo bay, it is engineered for frequent regional missions where fast turnaround and reliability are essential. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW120 engines, it cruises efficiently at 25,000 feet, making it ideal for accessing airports that larger jets cannot.


Operators prize the ATR 42-320 for its low fuel consumption and ability to land on shorter runways, opening up a vast network of secondary airports and remote destinations. Its proven track record in demanding environments makes it a top choice for time-critical deliveries and flexible freight transport.


For clients, the ATR 42-320 delivers cost-effective regional cargo solutions, whether moving express shipments, high-value goods, or oversized freight that must arrive on schedule. Its robust design and excellent dispatch reliability ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently.

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ATR 42-320 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Cargo

Passenger capacity:

Up to (typical), maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 850 nautical miles (around 978 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

300 knots (about 345 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 265 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney PW120 turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 2000 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3600 feet

Landing distance:

About 3300 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 140 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 70 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1980s

atr-42-320

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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ATR 42-320 Range and Performance

The ATR 42-320 offers a working range of up to 850 nautical miles, making it an outstanding choice for regional freight runs and scheduled cargo services. Typical city pairs include Dallas to Atlanta, Paris to Milan, or Dubai to Riyadh without the need for refueling stops. | Its efficient 300-knot cruise and robust turboprop engines allow for rapid sector times while maintaining low fuel consumption, increasing both speed and savings for your operation. | With a takeoff distance of roughly 3,600 feet and a landing roll of around 3,300 feet, this aircraft can access airports with shorter runways, including field locations and regional terminals, getting cargo closer to its final destination. | The ATR 42-320's reliability and flexible routing ensure time-sensitive shipments arrive quickly, maximizing on-time performance for your business.

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ATR 42-320 Cabin Experience and Interior

Configured for maximum freight volume, the ATR 42-320 features a spacious, unobstructed cargo bay of approximately 70 cubic feet, accommodating standard pallets, containers, or oversized packages with ease. | The aircraft’s wide loading door and flat floor simplify the handling of diverse loads, from e-commerce shipments to perishables and time-critical equipment. | Operators benefit from an efficient cargo hold design that speeds up loading and unloading, while the pressurized cabin maintains cargo integrity across a range of altitudes. | Whether you’re moving high-value goods or urgent shipments, the ATR 42-320’s cargo-focused interior ensures your freight is secure and arrives in optimal condition.

ATR 42-320 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a ATR 42-320 typically runs in the range of $3500 to $4500 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a ATR 42-320 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the ATR 42-320?

The ATR 42-320 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While not suited for intercontinental or ultra-long-range freight, the ATR 42-320 is the ideal solution for regional cargo transport where speed, access to smaller airports, and operational efficiency are paramount. For clients needing to move substantial loads over short to medium distances, it delivers unmatched value and performance.

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How the ATR 42-320 Compares to Other Cargo

The ATR 42-320 was introduced in the late 1980s as a specialized cargo adaptation of the popular ATR 42 regional airliner, building on the proven reliability of the ATR platform. Developed through a partnership between Aerospatiale of France and Aeritalia of Italy, the ATR series quickly became a favorite for operators seeking dependable regional aircraft with low operating costs.


The -320 variant enhanced performance with more powerful engines and improved avionics, making it even more capable in challenging weather and terrain. Its adaptability allowed the ATR 42-320 to serve a wide range of roles, from scheduled express courier to humanitarian relief flights, cementing its place as a versatile workhorse in the cargo sector.


Today, the ATR 42-320 remains a popular choice for regional freight carriers and charter operators, thanks to its enduring efficiency, robust support network, and proven capability in demanding environments. Its legacy as a dependable cargo platform continues to set industry benchmarks for regional air logistics.

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ATR 42-320 History and Background

The ATR 42-320 was introduced in the late 1980s as a specialized cargo adaptation of the popular ATR 42 regional airliner, building on the proven reliability of the ATR platform. Developed through a partnership between Aerospatiale of France and Aeritalia of Italy, the ATR series quickly became a favorite for operators seeking dependable regional aircraft with low operating costs.


The -320 variant enhanced performance with more powerful engines and improved avionics, making it even more capable in challenging weather and terrain. Its adaptability allowed the ATR 42-320 to serve a wide range of roles, from scheduled express courier to humanitarian relief flights, cementing its place as a versatile workhorse in the cargo sector.


Today, the ATR 42-320 remains a popular choice for regional freight carriers and charter operators, thanks to its enduring efficiency, robust support network, and proven capability in demanding environments. Its legacy as a dependable cargo platform continues to set industry benchmarks for regional air logistics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the ATR 42-320 Carry?

The ATR 42-320’s cargo hold provides approximately 70 cubic feet of space, making it ideally suited for a variety of freight, from standard pallets to special shipments. Its wide loading door and unobstructed layout maximize volume and ease of handling for time-sensitive cargo.

What Is the Range of the ATR 42-320?

The ATR 42-320 has a range of approximately 850 nautical miles, or roughly 978 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the ATR 42-320 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 300 knots (about 345 mph), with a long-range cruise near 265 knots. The aircraft's 25000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a ATR 42-320?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $3500 and $4500 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker ATR 42-320 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The ATR 42-320 features an expansive cargo bay with a large loading door, allowing for easy movement of freight and swift loading or unloading operations. The pressurized hold ensures secure transport of sensitive goods.

Is the ATR 42-320 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional routes, yes. The ATR 42-320’s range of 850 nautical miles allows it to connect key city pairs without a fuel stop, though exceptionally heavy loads or adverse weather may occasionally require a brief technical stop, which is typical for this class of aircraft.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including ATR 42-320 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the ATR 42-320, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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