Why Turboprops Aircraft are so Rare in the USA ?

The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted, involving market preferences, operational economics, Airport Infrastructure and unique geography of the United States.

You may have encountered a turboprop aircraft in your travels—perhaps a Q400 or an ATR72—most likely while flying to or from a smaller airport. In many regions worldwide, turboprops are the backbone of short-haul flights. However, in the U.S., these aircraft have become increasingly rare.

Passenger Perception of Comfort: Many American travelers perceive jets as more comfortable and modern compared to turboprops.

Speed Differences on Longer Routes: Turboprops are indeed slower than jets, and while this difference is minimal over short distances, it becomes more noticeable as route lengths increase.

Airport Infrastructure and Runway Lengths: Many U.S. airports have longer runways that accommodate jets, even at smaller regional airports, reducing the need for turboprops, which perform well on shorter runways. Regions where runways are shorter or not paved, such as in some developing areas or smaller islands, see more turboprop use for this reason.

1. Sensitivity to Turbulence: Turboprops are more sensitive to turbulence, especially at lower altitudes, where they typically operate. This makes them more prone to weather-related disturbances compared to jets.
2. Jets’ Altitude Advantage: Jets can often avoid some weather patterns by flying at higher altitudes, which reduces exposure to turbulence and weather disturbances.
3. U.S. Climate and Jet Suitability: The continental climate across many parts of the U.S. supports jets, as they can handle a wider range of weather conditions, making them more suitable for the diverse climates within the country.
4. Maintenance and Training: The shift toward regional jets has allowed airlines to streamline maintenance and training processes, as their fleets can be consolidated around a few models. Introducing turboprops would add operational complexity, including maintenance and pilot training,

What, exactly is a Turboprop Aircraft?

A turboprop aircraft is a type of airplane powered by a turboprop engine, which combines elements of both jet and propeller-driven engines. In a turboprop, a gas turbine (jet engine) powers a propeller, creating thrust through the spinning propeller blades instead of solely through jet exhaust, as seen in traditional jet engines.

Examples of Popular Turboprop Aircraft

• ATR 42/72: Widely used by regional airlines for short-haul routes worldwide.
• Bombardier Dash 8 (Q400): Known for its quiet cabin and reliability in regional operations.
• Cessna Caravan: Often used for commuter flights and cargo in remote areas.

Diffrence in turboprop and turbofan: Summary Table

Air Tahiti operates the world’s longest non-stop turboprop route, connecting Papeete (PPT) and Totegegie (GMR) in French Polynesia. This route spans around 1,028 miles (1,654 kilometers) and is flown using an ATR 72-600 aircraft, with a flight duration of approximately four hours.

Reasons behind the trend:

1. Geography and Distance Between Cities

The United States has an expansive geographical landscape, with major cities often separated by distances far greater than those in Europe or Asia. Turboprops are known for their fuel efficiency on shorter routes, typically those under 500 miles. On longer routes, however, jets are more time-efficient due to their higher cruising speeds, making them preferable for the often longer regional distances in the U.S.

In Europe, for example, cities are much closer together, which makes turboprops ideal for linking regional airports. A flight from Amsterdam to Brussels, for example, spans about 100 miles—a perfect range for turboprops to operate efficiently. In contrast, typical regional flights in the U.S., such as those between Dallas and Denver or New York and Washington, D.C., span several hundred miles, favoring jets for faster and more economical operations over these longer routes.

The hub-and-spoke network is a common airline model in US: Here central cities (hubs) connect with smaller regional airports (spokes). Passengers from various smaller cities travel to a hub, where they can connect to flights for onward destinations. Major airlines in the U.S., like Delta, American, and United, use this model with cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas serving as primary hubs.

Turboprops are popular for their fuel efficiency and lower operating costs on short-haul routes. They can operate on short or rugged runways, making them ideal for remote or underserved areas with limited infrastructure.Their reliability in harsh conditions makes them essential for critical services in isolated regions, providing cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable transportation solutions where jets are impractical.

2. Passenger Preferences

For many American travelers, jets are perceived as more comfortable and modern than turboprops. Although modern turboprops have improved in both speed and cabin noise, they are often seen as noisier and more prone to vibrations than jets. This perception is particularly significant in the U.S. market, where passengers have a strong preference for the comfort and smoothness of jet travel. Airlines, sensitive to passenger demands, have thus gravitated toward regional jets over turboprops to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Additionally, American travelers associate jets with faster travel, a perception that aligns with the general expectation of speed and efficiency in air travel. Turboprops are indeed slower than jets, which, while negligible over short distances, becomes more apparent as route lengths increase, especially in a country where even regional flights can exceed 500 miles.

4. Airport Infrastructure and Runway Lengths

American regional airports tend to have extensive infrastructure, including longer runways, that accommodate jets with ease. In many other countries, regional airports often have shorter or less-developed runways, which makes turboprops advantageous since they can operate on shorter runways and in airports with limited facilities.

Turboprops shine in areas where airport limitations prevent the operation of larger jets. In Europe, for instance, some airports have constraints that favor turboprops, especially in older or mountainous regions. However, in the U.S., regional airports are generally well-equipped, reducing the need for aircraft with the short-takeoff capabilities of turboprops.

5. The Dominance of Regional Jets in the U.S. Market

American airlines have made significant investments in regional jets (RJs), particularly the Embraer ERJ and Bombardier CRJ series. These jets are designed for short to medium-haul flights, with ranges and speeds that align well with American regional travel demands. These regional jets bridge the gap between turboprops and larger jets, offering faster speeds and more comfort while remaining fuel-efficient for the distances typically covered in the U.S.

6. Weather and Climate Conditions

The diverse range of climates in the U.S. also plays a role in reducing the use of turboprops. Regions like the Midwest and Northeast experience significant turbulence and extreme weather conditions, which jets can avoid by flying at higher altitudes. Turboprops, typically flying at lower altitudes, are more susceptible to weather-related disturbances, which can affect passenger comfort and safety. In many regions of the U.S., jets are better suited to handle these weather patterns, making them more practical for airlines operating across a broad range of climates.

In Alaska, however, where distances between communities are shorter, terrain is rugged, and runways are often shorter, turboprops remain vital to the state’s air travel infrastructure. Alaska Airlines and other local carriers continue to rely on turboprops to connect remote areas, where the geography and infrastructure favor these versatile aircraft.