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Do any airlines still use turboprops?

Of course, the turboprop is hardly gone from U.S. skies. Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group Inc., still flies the Bombardier Q-400 and Empire Airlines Inc. flies the ATR 42-500 in Hawaii for Hawaiian Holdings Inc.'s Ohana unit.



Yes, dozens of airlines around the world continue to use turboprop aircraft in 2026, as they are significantly more fuel-efficient and better suited for short-haul, regional routes than jet engines. Major regional carriers like Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines), Silver Airways, and QantasLink rely heavily on the De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 or the ATR 72-600 to serve smaller communities with shorter runways. In Europe, airlines like Loganair and Widerøe use turboprops to navigate the challenging, windy environments of the Scottish Highlands and the Norwegian fjords. In 2026, Russia is also reintroducing the Ilyushin Il-114-300, a modern turboprop designed for cold-weather operations in remote regions. Turboprops are preferred for flights under 300 miles because they can take off and land in spaces where jets cannot and burn up to 40% less fuel on these short hops. While some passengers perceive them as "older" or "louder," the latest generation of turboprops features active noise-cancellation technology and modern cabins that rival the comfort of larger commercial jets.

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Cruising Speed: While they might not match the speed of pure jets, turboprops are faster than piston engines, making them a great middle-ground choice for those who need speed but also want to control operating expenses. Reliability and Durability: Modern turboprop engines are known for their reliability.

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Turboprops typically have an altitude ceiling of 25,000-30,000 feet. If you run into turbulence or inclement weather conditions at this altitude, a turboprop won't be able to avoid them by climbing to a higher altitude like a jet can. This may make for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.

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The safest commercial aircraft models have exceptional safety records, such as the Embraer ERJ, Airbus A380, Boeing 767, Airbus A319neo, and Bombardier CRJ-700.

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Turboprops simply cost more: to buy, to own, to fly. They offer better performance, reliability, and lighter engine weight. They also scale up well. After the initial premium for switching to turbines, cost per seat starts to go down.

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