Airbus Acj320 Neo vs Piper M500
The Airbus ACJ320neo and Piper M500 sit in very different categories. The ACJ320neo is a large, airline-derived VIP/business jet designed for head-of-state or corporate shuttle missions, with a cabin that can be outfitted as an executive lounge, meeting space, and private suites. The Piper M500 is a single-engine turboprop designed for owner-pilots and small-business travel, prioritizing simplicity and lower operating costs. In range terms, the ACJ320neo offers intercontinental capability; depending on configuration and auxiliary fuel options, it can typically fly roughly 6,000 to 7,000 nautical miles. The M500 is a regional aircraft, generally around 1,000 to 1,200 nautical miles of range with reserves, varying with payload and conditions. Passenger capacity also differs sharply. An ACJ320neo can carry dozens of passengers; VIP layouts often seat roughly 25 to 50, while higher-density arrangements can go higher. The M500 typically seats one pilot plus up to four or five passengers, with maximum seating around six depending on configuration.
| Spec | Airbus ACJ320 Neo | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 14.74 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Airbus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | ACJ320 | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6750 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.84 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 32500 | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 6,926 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Thales | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $96,000,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8244 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | CFM LEAP-1A27 | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 3600 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 27000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 500 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 170 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 111 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 117.5 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 12.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 7.4 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 78.8 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 38.58 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 6710 | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 943 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 |