Which engine is more efficient:
turboprop vs jet?
Are turboprops really more efficient than jets?
If yes, does that mean that airlines who use jets sacrifice fuel for faster flights?
The short answer to both your questions are Yes. The long answer is, it's not so simple.
Having Said that we must look at the more modern Bombardier Dash8-Q400 and ATR-600. These two aircraft companies are a world apart. The Economics of the ATR is second to none do to many factors, speed being one. While the Dash8-Q400 is not quite as fuel efficient as the ATR, it is much faster offering turboprop economics with jet like performance. Allowing more frequencies in a day. It also can hold much more cargo than the ATR. And the Dash8-Q400 carries many more passengers than the ATR, up to 90 where as the ATR only carries 70.
Bombardier Dash 8 Q-400 Vs ATR 72-600
Credits to Airways Magazine, The Flying Engineer, Saab Corp, ATR, Bombardier of Canada.
Turboprop Aircraft Making a Comeback
It’s much more economical to operate a turboprop than a jet. Any day.
Three turboprop operators in the United States such as Burlington, Vermont-based CommutAir, Salisbury, Maryland-based Piedmont Airlines and Fort Lauderdale, Florida based Silver Airways have all found operational success using solely turboprops,
as opposed to regional jets.
While Some airlines have always operated with a mix of turboprops and regional jets, there are exceptions. For example, Silver Airways went with turboprops from its beginning. Silver Airways was established in May 2011, with the assets from the former Gulfstream International Airlines, and started operating a fleet of Beechcraft 1900s and began adding Saab 340B turboprops in January 2012. Today, Silver operates a fleet of 27 Saab 340Bs.
So why are regional airlines starting to favor turboprops over the once popular 50-seat jet?
The main reason is economics, even with petrol prices low as they currently are, a airline can not take a chance that they will stay low forever. Plus the fact that leasing or buying 737/A320 is far more expensive that leasing or buying Turboprops not to mention operating costs. Then fuel costs for example on Silver Airways Saab 340B aircraft burn 60% less fuel per hour than a 70 Seat regional jet. Now if a market can support a 70 Seater jet it is more economical than a Saab.
The main reason is economics, even with petrol prices low as they currently are, a airline can not take a chance that they will stay low forever. Plus the fact that leasing or buying 737/A320 is far more expensive that leasing or buying Turboprops not to mention operating costs. Then fuel costs for example on Silver Airways Saab 340B aircraft burn 60% less fuel per hour than a 70 Seat regional jet. Now if a market can support a 70 Seater jet it is more economical than a Saab.
Today's Ultra Modern Turboprops
Having Said that we must look at the more modern Bombardier Dash8-Q400 and ATR-600. These two aircraft companies are a world apart. The Economics of the ATR is second to none do to many factors, speed being one. While the Dash8-Q400 is not quite as fuel efficient as the ATR, it is much faster offering turboprop economics with jet like performance. Allowing more frequencies in a day. It also can hold much more cargo than the ATR. And the Dash8-Q400 carries many more passengers than the ATR, up to 90 where as the ATR only carries 70.
Dash8-Q400
With Extra Seating
Listen how quiet the Dash8-Q400 is.
The ATR also very quiet
Silver Airway Route Map using Saab340B Aircraft
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