What is the annual operating cost of a Bombardier Q400?

For 100 hours/year, expect $165,000–$210,000 in total operating costs. Twin turboprop regional transports offer efficiency and capacity; costs reflect regional operations.

How much fuel does Bombardier Q400 burn?

Pratt & Whitney PW150A twin turboprops burn 270–310 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $1,485–$1,705/hour.

What is Bombardier Q400 engine TBO?

Pratt & Whitney PW150A: 5,000 hours TBO; $120,000–$160,000 overhaul each. Engine reserve $24–$32/hour combined.

How much does Bombardier Q400 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $28,000–$38,000 for $12,000,000–$16,000,000 hull with 500+ crew hours.

Can you finance a Bombardier Q400?

Yes. A $10,000,000 Q400 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$147,500/month ($1,770,000/year).

What is Bombardier Q400 capacity?

74-seat regional configuration, excellent range and efficiency for regional routes.

How does Q400 compare to ATR 72?

Similar 70-seat class; Q400 faster, ATR72 slightly lower fuel burn. Both excellent regional platforms.

What is Bombardier Q400 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$1,935,000–$1,980,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11: ~$165,000–$210,000/year.

What maintenance does Q400 require?

Annual inspections $18,000–$26,000, condition monitoring $10,000–$14,000/year. Budget $140–$180/hour maintenance.

Is Bombardier Q400 good for regional airline service?

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

The True Operating Cost of Bombardier Q400

The Bombardier Q400 is the industry's fastest twin-engine turboprop regional transport offering 74-seat capacity, exceptional reliability, and superior economics. Plan for $165,000–$210,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,650–$2,100 per hour. The Q400 dominates regional turboprop markets with unmatched speed and operating efficiency.

Quick Specs: Bombardier Q400

Specification	Q400
Engines	2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A (4,600 shp each)
Fuel Burn	270–310 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	360–400 mph
Service Ceiling	35,000 ft
Useful Load	22,000–24,000 lbs
Seats	74
Range	1,700–2,000 nm

TL;DR: Bombardier Q400 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $90,000–$120,000/year (insurance $28,000–$38,000, hangar $28,000–$38,000, annuals $18,000–$26,000, crew training)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $75,000–$90,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $165,000–$210,000/year (~$1,650–$2,100/hour)
Finance a $10,000,000 Q400: Add $147,500/month ($1,770,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$127,500–$165,000/year (~$2,550–$3,300/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$240,000–$300,000/year (~$1,200–$1,500/hour)

Regional Twin Turboprop Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $28,000–$38,000/year for $12,000,000–$16,000,000 hull
Hangar: $28,000–$38,000/year (regional turboprop facility)
Annual inspection: $18,000–$26,000 labor (74-seat complexity)
Crew training/proficiency: $8,000–$12,000/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 290 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,595/hour
Oil and lubricants: $12–$18/hour
Engine reserves: $24–$32/hour ($140K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
APU maintenance: $10–$14/hour
Avionics/systems: $80–$120/hour
Landing fees: $100–$250/landing

Jet Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	14,500	$79,750	$1,595
100	29,000	$159,500	$1,595
150	43,500	$239,250	$1,595
200	58,000	$319,000	$1,595

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Pratt & Whitney PW150A Engines

PW150A: 5,000 hours TBO
Overhaul cost: $140,000–$170,000 per engine
Combined reserve: $310,000 ÷ 5,000 = $62/hour
Reliability: Proven turboprop with excellent regional support

Regional Turboprop Maintenance

APU maintenance: $6,000–$10,000/year
Air conditioning: $5,000–$8,000/year
Avionics updates: $4,000–$7,000/year
Pressurization systems: $4,000–$7,000/year
Budget: $110–$160/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Regional Turboprop Insurance

$12,000,000 hull: $28,000–$34,000/year
$16,000,000 hull: $36,000–$44,000/year
Commercial operations: +20–30% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Regional Turboprop Hangar	$2,300–$3,200	$27,600–$38,400
Tie-Down	$600–$1,000	$7,200–$12,000

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$105,000	$117,000	$222,000	$4,440
100	$105,000	$234,000	$339,000	$3,390
200	$105,000	$468,000	$573,000	$2,865

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $10,000,000 Bombardier Q400, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $1,770,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$339,000	$1,770,000	$2,109,000	$20,890
200	$573,000	$1,770,000	$2,343,000	$11,715

Financing the Bombardier Q400

Purchase price: $8,000,000–$14,000,000
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $7,200,000–$12,000,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $120,000–$245,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, regional airline experience, $1,500,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $12M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support regional turboprop financing for airline and charter operators.

Bombardier Q400 vs. Competitors

vs. ATR 72: Q400 faster and pressurized; ATR72 slightly lower fuel burn
vs. Cessna Grand Caravan: Q400 twin-engine commercial; Caravan single-engine utility

Get prequalified for regional turboprop aircraft financing »

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