Visual Approach Analytics: Turboprops - still a thing

I love Visual Approach Analytics' "pictures speak 1,000 words" graphics! Check out this one on the state of turboprops!

Reports of the turboprop's death are greatly exaggerated

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The turboprop is the metric system of aviation. Even though it’s proven incredibly useful and efficient, the Americans won’t use it.

We jest (but not really).

While Americans are on holiday, we take the opportunity to discuss the aircraft type rarely moving passengers in the world’s largest market: the turboprop.

To be fair, turboprops still fly passengers in the U.S., but they’re largely limited to Canadian airlines crossing the border or flights in Alaska. The most notable exception is Silver Airways, which operates ATRs from its base in Florida.

(Writing from Texas, the most surprising exception is a Saab 2000 that operates in my backyard, shuttling passengers from Dallas and Houston to Aspen, Colorado. For a measly $1,000, the wonderfully named Wildcat Touring offers to exchange oppressive heat for oppressive fares. But bags fly free…)

Aside from the United States, the turboprop still exists. In fact, one could say it thrives, depending on how you look at it.

OK, “thrive” may be a bit of a stretch, but hear us out.

The global turboprop fleet has remained largely constant prior to COVID. That should surprise you, especially considering the world went from more than six manufacturers to two during that time. After 2020, the number of western turboprop manufacturers is down to one.

Exceptions are China’s MA600 program and a slew of smaller turboprops, including the Cessna Caravan and SkyCourier. For large turboprops built for larger than 20 seats, the name of the game is ATR.

The post-COVID decline of turboprops looks different when we separate those in and out of production. While not yet back to 2019 levels, ATR has re-entered growth mode.

This simple chart quickly addresses the fundamentals of the turboprop market: Airlines worldwide still need turboprops (see the above map).

That need stems from far more than simply small markets. Turboprops often represent the only source of connection of small island countries. We direct your attention to the plentiful lines on the map in the South Pacific.

But beyond literal island-hopping, the turboprop is the most efficient way to move passengers on short flights. That’s by design.

While the global turboprop fleet struggles to recover from COVID, the struggle is slowly being overcome by ATR. But, the secret to ATRs success is no secret at all — they’re the only game in town.

Which operator graces the skies with the most turboprops?

When we look at turboprops greater than 20 seats, there is one operator that stands out with the largest fleet.

Which is it?

When ready, here is the answer.