The Advantages and Disadvantages of Turboprops Versus Jets

Ever wondered why some airlines only use turboprops, while others stick to jets, and some even have a mix of both? With new smaller jets like the Airbus A220 and Embraer E-jets on the scene, it might seem odd that airlines still fly turboprops like the ATR 72 and DHC Dash 8. But it’s not as simple as picking one over the other. It all boils down to the airline’s market, the places they fly to, and how they run their business.

Let’s take a look at the Philippines, where we’ve got six main airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, AirSwift, Royal Air, and Sunlight Air. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific use both jets and turboprops. AirAsia Philippines and Royal Air are all about the jets, while Sunlight Air and AirSwift stick to turboprops.

Now, the Philippines is an archipelago, so we don’t have the luxury of roads and high-speed trains connecting every town and city like some other countries. That’s why flying is such a big deal here. It’s not just faster; it’s often the safest way to get people and cargo from one place to another.

So, why are turboprops still a thing, especially here in the Philippines? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of turboprops and jets to see why they’re still flying high in our skies.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Turboprops

Turboprops are a popular choice for short distances, and there’s a good reason for that. They’re lightweight, which means they perform well during takeoff. If you’re flying at low altitudes, you can expect great fuel efficiency. They’re also able to land on shorter runways, even those that aren’t paved. This makes them perfect for getting to those hard-to-reach airports. In places like the Philippines, they’re ideal for interisland operations, especially when there’s less passenger traffic. And let’s not forget, they’re generally cheaper to charter, insure, operate, and maintain.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with turboprops. They’re slower, so if you’re going a long distance, the flight time will be longer. They can’t climb as high as jets, so if there’s bad weather, you might be in for a bumpy ride. They’re also not designed for long-distance travel, and the smaller cabins might feel a bit cramped for some passengers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Jets

If you’re looking for speed and comfort, jets are the way to go. They cruise at higher altitudes, so you can often avoid turbulence and enjoy a smoother ride. They’re faster, which means you’ll get to your destination quicker. And if you’re going a long way, jets have the range to get you there. Commercial jets can carry a lot of passengers, maximizing a route’s revenue potential and saving on gate requests.

But jets have their downsides too. They’re not as efficient for short distances, and they cost more per hour to operate. They need longer, paved runways, so if you’re going somewhere remote, a jet might not be an option. And overall, they’re more expensive to charter, insure, and maintain.

Speed and Fuel Burn

When it comes to speed, jets are the winners. They can reach speeds up to 690 mph, while turboprops usually range from 230-460 mph. But when it comes to fuel efficiency, turboprops take the lead, especially at lower altitudes and speeds. They’re often used for shorter regional trips because of this fuel efficiency.

It All Depends on the Operators

The choice for airlines to fly turboprops, jets, or a mix of both really boils down to their business plan, the areas they serve, and the routes they cover. In a place like the Philippines, with its many islands, using turboprops for routes with fewer passengers can be smarter than flying smaller jets like the Airbus A220. If a flight has more than 90 seats, it might not fill up, and that’s something airlines want to steer clear of. Low load factors just aren’t a good thing.

Take AirAsia Philippines, for example. Their main goal is to offer low-cost regional flights across Asia and domestic flights to major airports within the Philippines. They focus more on international routes and major domestic destinations. Even though they do fly within the Philippines, short interisland hops aren’t their main thing, so they don’t use turboprops. Instead, they prefer the Airbus A320, which can handle both domestic and international flights to big airports. Other AirAsia subsidiaries do the same, sticking to major airports for both local and international travel.

Then you’ve got airlines like AirSwift and Sunlight Air. They’re more like boutique airlines that only handle interisland and chartered flights. They stick to ATR 72s and fly to smaller airports like Siargao, Naga, El Nido, and San Vicente, as well as interisland routes from major hubs.

So, you see, turboprops and jets each have their own pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on the airline or the people running the aircraft. Even with the rise of short-range smaller jets, I believe turboprops will keep playing a vital role for airlines all over the world. It’s all about what the airline needs, where they fly, their overall plan, and how they want to get things done.