The Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 is a regional turboprop aircraft seating 82 passengers in its standard configuration and up to 90 in a high-density layout. It reaches speeds of up to 667 km/h and offers a range of approximately 1,600 km with a full passenger load. Developed by De Havilland Canada and marketed for several years under the Bombardier brand, the programme is now back with De Havilland Canada under the Dash 8-400 name.
For charter flights, the Q400 sits between smaller turboprops such as the ATR 72 and 90-to-100-seat regional jets such as the CRJ900 or CRJ1000. It meets a specific need: transporting a large group over a short or medium distance, faster than a conventional turboprop, while serving regional airports with shorter runways.
At Artheau Aviation, we arrange Q400 group charter flights for seminars, events, sports teams and corporate shuttles. We source available aircraft, compare operators and coordinate every stage of your group's journey through to arrival.
Passengers
82 seats
Up to 90 in high-density configuration, depending on the operator
Cruise speed
667 km/h
Maximum cruise speed
Range
1,596 km
With a full passenger load
Baggage hold
11.6 m³
Maximum volume, depending on version
A Dash 8 Q400 charter is priced for the entire aircraft, rather than per passenger. The cost depends on flight time, aircraft positioning before the mission, airport charges, ground handling and any days the aircraft must remain on site while your group is away. A same-day return can therefore cost less than two one-way flights several days apart, depending on repositioning and aircraft downtime costs.
On short routes, a turboprop such as the Q400 generally uses less fuel than a regional jet of comparable capacity. On a short flight, the difference in total journey time can remain limited. For groups of 70 to 90 passengers travelling on regional routes, it is often a suitable option, subject to aircraft availability when you enquire.
We prepare each quotation after consulting several operators. Before you confirm, we explain what is included and which factors may affect the final price.
The Q400 stands out among group charter aircraft for its speed, capacity and access to regional airports.
With 82 seats as standard and up to 90 in high-density configuration, it can accommodate groups that an ATR 72 may not carry on a single flight.
Maximum cruise speed reaches 667 km/h. On regional routes, flight times can approach those of a jet.
It can serve certain shorter runways that may not be accessible to jets with comparable capacity, bringing your group closer to its destination.
Up to 11.6 m³ of baggage hold volume, subject to maximum take-off weight limitations.
Its limitations: beyond approximately 1,600 km with a full passenger load, or when carrying bulky equipment, a regional jet or airliner may be more suitable.
According to De Havilland Canada, the Dash 8 Q400 has a range of 1,596 km with a full passenger load, based on 102 kg per passenger including baggage. This is the relevant benchmark for charter planning: longer ranges quoted elsewhere generally assume a lighter aircraft. Actual range also depends on winds, required fuel reserves, alternate airports and the configuration selected by the operator.
From Paris-Le Bourget, this range covers many European regional routes nonstop: Geneva (approximately 410 km), Biarritz (680 km), Munich (690 km), Toulon-Hyères (710 km), Barcelona (850 km) and Rome (1,100 km). Lisbon, at approximately 1,460 km, falls within the stated range but must be assessed case by case according to payload and weather.
Beyond this range, a technical stop may be necessary depending on operating conditions. For Athens, approximately 2,100 km away, we would generally recommend a regional jet or an airliner such as the Boeing 737 to avoid a stop and reduce total journey time.
Great-circle distances calculated by Artheau Aviation, for guidance only.
The figures below are published by the manufacturer. They vary depending on the aircraft version and operator configuration.
| Specification | Dash 8 Q400 |
|---|---|
| Seats | 82 (standard, 30-inch pitch) · 74 (two-class) · up to 90 (high-density) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 667 km/h |
| Range with full passenger load | 1,596 km |
| Maximum cruise altitude | 7,620 m (25,000 ft) |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A |
| Baggage hold volume | up to 11.6 m³ |
| Maximum take-off weight | 29,574 kg |
A Dash 8 Q400 carries 82 passengers in its standard configuration, with 30-inch seat pitch. Some operators offer a 74-seat two-class layout, while others use high-density configurations seating up to 90. The exact capacity therefore depends on the available aircraft, which we confirm in each proposal.
The cabin has four seats per row, with two on each side of the aisle and no middle seats. The Q in its name stands for “Quiet”: an active noise and vibration reduction system helps improve cabin comfort compared with earlier generations of turboprop aircraft.
For a seminar or corporate event, the standard 82-seat layout offers a practical balance of capacity and comfort. If your group includes guests requiring a separate level of service, a two-class configuration provides a dedicated forward cabin. For sports teams travelling with staff and equipment, we prioritise baggage volume and payload limits over seat count.
| Charter mission | Dash 8 Q400 suitability | Our assessment |
|---|---|---|
| European seminar or convention | Highly suitable | One flight for 70 to 90 participants, departing Paris for a regional city near the event venue. |
| Event, launch or fashion show | Highly suitable | The group travels together on its own schedule and arrives closer to the venue through regional airports. |
| Sports team travel | Suitable | Good capacity for players and staff; equipment volume must be checked for the particular sport. |
| Regular corporate shuttle | Suitable | Repeated regional rotations, often with more manageable costs than regional jets on short routes. |
| Flight over 1,600 km with full passenger load | Less suitable | A technical stop is likely; a CRJ1000 or Boeing 737 may be more appropriate. |
| Bulky freight | Less suitable | The 11.6 m³ hold is limited; we recommend a cargo aircraft. |
For a group of 70 to 90 people on a regional route under 1,500 km, the Q400 is often one of our first options: sufficient capacity, jet-like speed and generally manageable costs on these routes.
The aircraft's actual configuration (74, 82 or 90 seats), available baggage space and range with your group's payload rather than a theoretical maximum.
We check airport slots and handling at regional airports, aircraft positioning and crew rest requirements if your itinerary includes a same-day return.
For smaller groups: ATR 72. For longer or faster journeys: CRJ900 or CRJ1000. For more than 100 passengers: Boeing 737 or Airbus A321.
A fashion house entrusted us with transporting its models to southern France for a summer collection show near Toulon.
All the brand's models needed to arrive together and on time for fittings and rehearsals. Invited influencers and journalists travelled with them, making the flight part of the event itself.
We arranged a direct Dash 8 Q400 flight from Paris-Le Bourget to Toulon-Hyères, approximately 710 km. Its capacity allowed the entire group to travel on one aircraft, while Toulon-Hyères airport brought passengers closer to the show venue.
Upon landing, ground transport was waiting to take the group directly to the show venue near Toulon.
The flight took place in a festive atmosphere. For the brand, the event began at boarding, with guests sharing content even before arrival.
Tell us your route, dates, passenger count and the volume of baggage or equipment. These details help us identify the right aircraft and configuration.
We contact several operators, check aircraft and slot availability, and present one or more solutions with a clear explanation of what each price includes.
Once you confirm, we coordinate the operator, airports, ground handling, catering and transfers. Your dedicated contact remains available until the group arrives.
We do more than find an available aircraft. From your first request to landing, our teams coordinate every stage of your charter.
Your dedicated broker remains your main point of contact throughout your journey, from the initial request to your arrival.
We compare aircraft and certified operators to recommend the solution best suited to your itinerary, requirements and budget.
Once your flight is confirmed, our Flight Preparation team coordinates the operational details required for a smooth journey.
The team oversees flight logistics, ground handling, catering, passenger requirements and other arrangements before departure.
Every flight is operated by a certified aircraft operator holding the licences and approvals required for the mission.
We review operators, aircraft and operational requirements to check that each proposed solution meets our safety and compliance standards.
The price is quoted for the entire aircraft. It depends on flight time, aircraft positioning, airport charges and the number of days the aircraft remains on site. We explain all included costs before confirmation.
It seats 82 in standard configuration, 74 in a two-class layout and up to 90 in high-density configuration. The exact number depends on the available aircraft and is confirmed in each proposal.
Approximately 1,600 km with a full passenger load, according to De Havilland Canada. From Paris, this covers Geneva, Barcelona, Munich and Rome without a stop.
Its maximum cruise speed is 667 km/h, compared with approximately 830 km/h for a regional jet such as the CRJ900. On short routes, the time difference depends on distance and flight conditions.
The baggage hold offers up to 11.6 m³, subject to maximum take-off weight limitations. For sports teams or events requiring equipment, we check dimensions and volume before recommending the aircraft.
Many European regional airports, including some with shorter runways than those required by jets of comparable capacity. Suitability must be assessed for each airport.
This depends on aircraft availability. The earlier you enquire, the wider the choice of operators, particularly during periods of high demand.
From private jet charters to commercial group flights and dedicated cargo operations, we deliver tailored air solutions for every mission, anywhere in the world.
