Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
Category-wise, the Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin‑engine pressurized turboprop optimized for business and utility missions, while the Beechcraft Denali and Pilatus PC‑12 NGX are single‑engine pressurized turboprops aimed at higher-end executive travel with strong short-field capability. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop focused on rugged utility, cargo, and regional shuttle work, typically with less emphasis on speed and high-altitude comfort than the pressurized singles and twins. For range, the PC‑12 NGX and Denali generally sit at the top of this group among singles, commonly advertised around the ~1,500–1,800+ nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves, with the King Air 260 typically in a similar ballpark but varying by payload and mission profile. The Grand Caravan EX is usually shorter-legged, often around the ~900–1,200 nautical mile class. Passenger capacity typically runs highest in the Grand Caravan EX, commonly up to about 9–14 depending on commuter versus executive layout. The King Air 260, Denali, and PC‑12 NGX are most often configured around 6–9 passengers in executive seating, with flexibility for cargo or mixed missions.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.08 | $ 3.15 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | GE® Aerospace | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | KingAir Denali | Grand Caravan EX | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1600 | 964 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.39 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 3280 | 3332 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,111 | $ 614 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 285 | 195 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $4,150,000 | $2,695,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | 1 Flushing | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 5 | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 11065 | — | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | — | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | Catalyst™ | PT6A-140 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | — | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 867 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | — | ISA + 24 | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — | 335 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 14.86 | 41.6 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 54.3 | 52.1 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 12.6 | 16.8 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 4.65 | 15.1 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.1 | — | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 12.6 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 48 | 32 | 40 |