Summary Few US carriers operate turboprop aircraft, unlike many countries worldwide. Geography plays a role in the popularity of turboprops in certain regions. Passenger perception can affect the preference for larger jets over turboprops.
In some countries, turboprop aircraft are commonplace, while in the US, they are rarely seen today. Why have such aircraft not proved popular with US carriers but have seen relative commercial success in other parts of the world? Factors such as geography and passenger perceptions have all played a part, which we will examine in more detail below. But first, what is a turboprop? Turboprop aircraft are small, narrowbody aircraft powered by turbine propeller engines.
Worldwide, there are two primary manufacturers of turboprop aircraft - Canada-based Bombardier and the European collaboration between Airbus and Italy's Leonardo, known as ATR . Their most popular aircraft are the Dash 8 and the ATR 72, respectively. Horizon Air was previously one of the larger operators of the Dash 8, flying for Alaska Airlines out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), until it retired the type in 2023.
This means that currently, no major US carriers operate the ATR 72, while only a very limited number of airlines fly the Dash 8. The number of flights has reduced dramatically. That has not always been the case though, and several airlines have operated turboprop aircraft in the past, only to go on to retire them.
Both United Express and Piedmont Airline.