What is the annual operating cost of an ATR 72?

For 100 hours/year, expect $148,000–$188,000 in total operating costs. Twin turboprop regional transports offer efficiency; costs reflect regional operations.

How much fuel does ATR 72 burn?

Pratt & Whitney PW127 twin turboprops burn 240–280 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $1,320–$1,540/hour.

What is ATR 72 engine TBO?

Pratt & Whitney PW127: 5,000 hours TBO; $100,000–$130,000 overhaul each. Engine reserve $20–$26/hour combined.

How much does ATR 72 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $24,000–$32,000 for $10,000,000–$14,000,000 hull with 500+ crew hours.

Can you finance an ATR 72?

Yes. A $9,000,000 ATR 72 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$132,500/month ($1,590,000/year).

What is ATR 72 capacity?

70-seat regional configuration, excellent for regional airline service.

How does ATR 72 compare to Q400?

Q400 faster and pressurized; ATR 72 slightly lower fuel burn. Both excellent regional platforms.

What is ATR 72 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$1,738,000–$1,778,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11: ~$148,000–$188,000/year.

What maintenance does ATR 72 require?

Annual inspections $16,000–$22,000, condition monitoring $8,000–$12,000/year. Budget $130–$170/hour.

Is ATR 72 good for regional airline service?

Yes. Excellent twin turboprop for high-frequency regional airline service.

The True Operating Cost of ATR 72

The ATR 72 is the world's best-selling twin-engine turboprop regional transport offering 70-seat capacity, exceptional fuel efficiency, and proven reliability. Plan for $148,000–$188,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,480–$1,880 per hour. The ATR 72 dominates regional turboprop markets worldwide.

Quick Specs: ATR 72

Specification	ATR 72
Engines	2 × Pratt & Whitney PW127 (2,750 shp each)
Fuel Burn	240–280 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	320–350 mph
Service Ceiling	27,000 ft
Useful Load	20,000–22,000 lbs
Seats	70
Range	1,600–2,000 nm

TL;DR: ATR 72 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $80,000–$108,000/year (insurance $24,000–$32,000, hangar $24,000–$32,000, annuals $16,000–$22,000, crew)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $68,000–$80,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $148,000–$188,000/year (~$1,480–$1,880/hour)
Finance a $9,000,000 ATR 72: Add $132,500/month ($1,590,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$114,000–$148,000/year (~$2,280–$2,960/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$216,000–$268,000/year (~$1,080–$1,340/hour)

Regional Twin Turboprop Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $24,000–$32,000/year for $10,000,000–$14,000,000 hull
Hangar: $24,000–$32,000/year (regional turboprop facility)
Annual inspection: $16,000–$22,000 labor (70-seat complexity)
Crew training/proficiency: $8,000–$12,000/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 260 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,430/hour
Oil and lubricants: $10–$14/hour
Engine reserves: $20–$26/hour ($115K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
APU maintenance: $8–$12/hour
Avionics/systems: $60–$90/hour
Landing fees: $80–$200/landing

Jet Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	13,000	$71,500	$1,430
100	26,000	$143,000	$1,430
150	39,000	$214,500	$1,430
200	52,000	$286,000	$1,430

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Pratt & Whitney PW127 Engines

PW127: 5,000 hours TBO
Overhaul cost: $115,000–$145,000 per engine
Combined reserve: $260,000 ÷ 5,000 = $52/hour
Reliability: Proven turboprop with excellent support

Regional Turboprop Maintenance

APU maintenance: $4,000–$6,000/year
Air conditioning: $3,000–$5,000/year
Avionics updates: $3,000–$5,000/year
Pressurization systems: $3,000–$5,000/year
Budget: $100–$140/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Regional Turboprop Insurance

$10,000,000 hull: $24,000–$28,000/year
$14,000,000 hull: $32,000–$40,000/year
Commercial operations: +15–25% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Regional Turboprop Hangar	$2,000–$2,700	$24,000–$32,400
Tie-Down	$500–$800	$6,000–$9,600

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$94,000	$90,000	$184,000	$3,680
100	$94,000	$180,000	$274,000	$2,740
200	$94,000	$360,000	$454,000	$2,270

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $9,000,000 ATR 72, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $1,590,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$274,000	$1,590,000	$1,864,000	$18,640
200	$454,000	$1,590,000	$2,044,000	$10,220

Financing the ATR 72

Purchase price: $7,500,000–$12,500,000
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $6,500,000–$10,500,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $110,000–$220,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, regional airline experience, $1,200,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $10M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support regional turboprop financing.

ATR 72 vs. Competitors

vs. Bombardier Q400: Q400 faster; ATR 72 slightly lower fuel burn
vs. Cessna Grand Caravan: ATR 72 twin-engine commercial; Caravan single-engine utility

Get prequalified for regional turboprop aircraft financing »

Sources: ATR Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS