While it’s safe and widely used for short-haul regional flights, turboprops typically fly at lower altitudes and slower speeds, which means longer flight times and a higher chance of turbulence — something nervous flyers might not like to hear.
She explained: ‘Turboprop aircraft operate most efficiently at lower altitudes, typically between 18,000 and 25,000 feet, compared to jet aircraft that cruise at around 35,000 feet or higher.
Marina Efthymiou, professor of aviation management at Dublin University, gave Metro the lowdown on why turboprops like the ATR 72 are generally better for shorter regional routes.
From March 30, BA will replace its Airbus A320 jet with a smaller ATR 72 turboprop aircraft — nearly doubling the travel time.
When it comes to turbulence, she explains: ‘Flying at lower altitudes can sometimes mean encountering more weather-related disturbances, such as stronger winds or thermal activity, compared to jets cruising higher up.
